Process of osteoporosis. Illustration of an osteo- clast bone cell in action during removal of bone tissue. An osteoclast (blue,centre) is a giant multi-nucleated cell that normally breaks down the calcified matrix of bone (yellow) during bone growth and formation. In the disease of osteo- porosis,however,more of these cells form. Cells which would normally become osteoblast bone growth cells (pink) coalesce to produce osteoclasts. As a result,bones become brittle and less dense,with a greater risk of fractures. Osteoporosis is most common in post-menopausal women,attributed to a decline in ovarian hormone which helps maintain bone mass. Steroid treatment is effective | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Bavosi, John |
Bildgröße: | 4567 px × 4083 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |