Effects of Aging on Bone Tissues

Osteoma

A benign bone tumor, typically non-cancerous.

What is osteosarcoma?

A malignant bone cancer that can spread to other parts of the body.

What is osteomyelitis?

A bone infection, often caused by bacteria.

How does aging affect bone mass?

As sex hormone levels decrease during middle age (especially after menopause in women), bone resorption by osteoclasts outpaces bone deposition by osteoblasts, leading to decreased bone mass.

What are the two main effects of aging on bone tissue?

The two main effects are loss of bone mass and increased brittleness.

How does the loss of calcium affect bones in aging individuals?

The loss of calcium from bones is a key feature of osteoporosis, leading to weakened bones that are more prone to fractures.

Why do bones become brittle with age?

With aging, protein synthesis decreases, leading to a loss of collagen fibers that provide tensile strength. This makes bones more brittle and more susceptible to fractures.