Nutrition Basics: An Active Approach - Key Vocabulary

A collection of 50 flashcards defining key terms related to bone health and nutrition.

Bone Remodeling

The process in which bone tissue is broken down and rebuilt.

Osteoblasts

Cells that build new bone tissue.

Bone Remodeling

The process in which bone tissue is broken down and rebuilt.

Osteoblasts

Cells that build new bone tissue.

Osteoclasts

Large cells that break down bone tissue.

Osteocytes

Star-shaped cells that are the most abundant cell type in bone tissue.

Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

Measurement of the amount of calcified tissue in grams per centimeter squared.

Calcitonin

Hormone that lowers blood calcium levels when necessary.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone that acts to increase calcium levels in the blood.

Vitamin D

Fat-soluble vitamin that helps maintain calcium levels and enhances calcium absorption.

Calcium

Most abundant mineral in the body important for bone formation, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.

Phosphate

Second most abundant mineral in the body, primarily housed in the skeleton.

Magnesium

Mineral crucial for bone maintenance and cellular energy.

Fluoride

Mineral important for preventing tooth decay and supports bone health.

Vitamin K

Coenzyme that modifies proteins essential for bone health.

Osteoporosis

Condition characterized by excessive bone loss over time leading to fragile bones.

Rickets

A childhood bone disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, resulting in soft, weak bones.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)

Procedure used to measure bone mineral density.

Trabaecular Bone

Also known as spongy bone, it is the less dense and more flexible form of bone.

Cortical Bone

Also known as compact bone, it is the dense and hard outer layer of bone.

Bone Resorption

The process in which osteoclasts dissolve and break down bone tissue.

Nutrition

The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth.

Dietary Reference Intake (DRI)

Recommended daily intake levels of essential nutrients.

Calcium Homeostasis

The regulation of calcium levels in the blood, which involves hormones like PTH and calcitonin.

Bone Marrow

Tissue within bones where blood cells are produced.

Periosteum

A dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces.

Peak Bone Mass

The greatest quantity of bone tissue attained during life.

Insulin

Hormone released by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels.

Nutrient Artery

Artery supplying blood to the bones, essential for their health.

Hydroxyapatite

The primary mineral from calcium and phosphorous that forms the vertebrae structure.

Bioavailability

The degree to which nutrients are absorbed and utilized in the body.

Calcium Carbonate

A common calcium supplement that contains elemental calcium.

Calcium Citrate

Calcium supplement with good absorption, especially in older adults.

Calcium Lactate

A less common form of calcium supplement used to relieve calcium deficiency.

Elemental Calcium

The actual amount of calcium contained in a supplement, regardless of the compound.

Vitamin D3

The form of vitamin D synthesized in the skin from sunlight.

Nutritional Rickets

Rickets caused by insufficient dietary vitamin D or deficiency.

Heavy Metal Contamination

Presence of harmful metals, like lead, in natural calcium sources, which can be dangerous.

Amenorrhea

The absence of menstruation, which relates to bone health in women.

Female Athlete Triad

Combination of three conditions: disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis.

Fall Prevention

Safety measure taken to prevent falls, particularly in older adults.

Weight-Bearing Exercises

Physical activities that force you to work against gravity, important for building and maintaining bone mass.

Pharmacotherapy

Use of medications to treat or manage osteoporosis.

Emulsifying Agent

Substance added to food to keep ingredients from separating.

Soft Bone Disease

Condition arising from mineral deficiency leading to weak bones.

BMD Measurement

The process used to predict the risk of fracture based on bone density.

Dietary Inadequacy

Insufficient intake of essential nutrients that can lead to health problems.

Lifestyle Modifications

Changes in daily habits aimed at improving health outcomes.