Question

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and brittle. It is caused by an imbalance in the activity of which cells?

osteoclasts and osteoblasts
osteoclasts and osteocytes
osteoblasts and chondrocytes
osteocytes and chondrocytes

Answer 1

Osteoporosis is caused by an imbalance between the activity of osteoclasts, which break down bone tissue, and osteoblasts, which are responsible for bone formation. This imbalance leads to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. Treatment may involve rebalancing these processes through medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the weakening and increased brittleness of bones. This condition is caused by an imbalance in the activity of osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Osteoclasts are responsible for bone resorption, which means they break down the bone tissue, releasing calcium into the bloodstream. Osteoblasts, on the other hand, are involved in bone formation. In a healthy individual, the activities of these cells are balanced to maintain strong bones. However, in osteoporosis, osteoclasts become more active than osteoblasts, leading to a net loss of bone density and strength, making bones more susceptible to fractures.

As a result of the increased osteoclast activity, bones lose mass and structural integrity, leading to weakened bones that can fracture easily, even from minor stress. This imbalance can be influenced by hormonal changes, dietary deficiencies, and certain lifestyle factors. Designing a therapeutic drug to treat osteoporosis involves targeting these bone cells, potentially by inhibiting osteoclast activity or promoting osteoblast activity to restore the balance and improve bone density.

Answer 2

osteoclasts and osteoblasts

Step-by-step explanation:

Osteoporosis is a metabolic condition that is characterized by progressive decrease in bone density and increased risk of fractures.

To understand what happens for this disease to occur, it must be remembered that bones are composed of a matrix in which mineral complexes are deposited with calcium. Another important feature is that they are in a constant process of renewal, as they are formed by cells called osteoclasts in charge of resorbing the aged areas and by others, osteoblasts, whose function is to produce new bones.

To understand what happens for this disease to occur, it must be remembered that bones are composed of a matrix in which mineral complexes are deposited with calcium. Another important feature is that they are in a constant process of renewal, as they are formed by cells called osteoclasts in charge of resorbing the aged areas and by others, osteoblasts, whose function is to produce new bones. This permanent and constant process enables bone to be reconstructed when fractures occur and explains why every ten years or so the human skeleton is completely renewed.

In other words, for osteoporosis to occur it is necessary that cells called osteoclasts begin to resorb bone faster and cells called osteoblasts cannot fill the holes that are being formed.