osteoporosis

Table of Contents

Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics

Images & Videos

How marine research can improve osteoporosis diagnosis

One example of atrophy is the progressive loss of bone that occurs in osteoporosis (normal bone shown on left; osteoporotic bone shown on right).

For Students

osteoporosis summary

Read Next

A human Inuit skull in a stone chambered cairn in Ilulissat in Greenland. These ancient graves are pre christian and are at least 2000

14 Tough Questions Answered

People wearing surgical masks (also called face mask or medical masks or safety masks) walk through the city center of Milan, Italy on Feb. 23, 2020. Coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic

How Do Face Masks Control the Spread of Disease?

Scanning electron micrograph showing the spiral-shaped bacteria of the genus Leptospira. These organisms cause leptospirosis.

8 Zoonotic Diseases

close up of 3d microscopic blue bacteria

What Was Life Like Before We Knew About Germs?

Hand washing. Healthcare worker washing hands in hospital sink under running water. contagious diseases wash hands, handwashing hygiene, virus, human health

17 Questions About Health and Wellness Answered

Discover

Nativity Scene, Adoration of the Magi, Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, Montenegro

Why Is Christmas in December?

9 Mind-Altering Plants

9 of the World’s Deadliest Snakes

Coriander leaves, fresh green cilantro on wooden background, herbs

Why Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap to Some People?

Ice Sledge Hockey, Hockey Canada Cup, USA (left) vs Canada, 2009. UBC Thunderbird Arena, Vancouver, BC, competition site for Olympic ice hockey and Paralympic ice sledge hockey. Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Vancouver Olympics

10 Best Hockey Players of All Time

Scottish fold cat. A genetic mutation caused (in the original cat-1961) the ears to bend forward and down.

Shorthair Cat Breeds

Saint Lucia Day. Young girl wears Lucia crown (tinsel halo) with candles. Holds Saint Lucia Day currant laced saffron buns (lussekatter or Lucia's cats). Observed December 13 honor virgin martyr Santa Lucia (St. Lucy). Luciadagen, Christmas, Sweden

7 Winter Solstice Celebrations From Around the World

osteoporosis

medical condition

Written by Robert D. Utiger

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Dec 24, 2024 • Article History

Related Topics:: aging; bone; metabolic disease; bone disease; old age

See all related content

News •

Over 700 experts to join MUHS’s first tribal health symposium • Dec. 20, 2024, 5:41 AM ET (The Indian Express)

Thyroid Medication Prescribed to 23 Million Americans May Cause Bone Loss • Nov. 26, 2024, 5:19 AM ET (Newsweek)

osteoporosis, disease characterized by the thinning of bones, with a consequent tendency to sustain fractures from minor stresses. Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease, and its name literally means “porous bone.” The disorder is most common in postmenopausal women over age 50. It is estimated that approximately one-fourth of the world’s population of women over age 60 have some degree of osteoporosis. For these women, fracture is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. In affected persons the tiny rigid plates forming the honeycombed matrixes within bone gradually become thinner and rodlike, and the spaces between them grow ...(100 of 727 words)

Access the full article

Help support true facts by becoming a member.