Final answer:
If the rate of bone resorption outstrips the rate of new bone formation, it can lead to osteoporosis and a net loss of bone.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the rate of bone resorption outstrips the rate of new bone formation, it can lead to a net loss of bone and result in osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in bone mass, which occurs when the rate of bone resorption exceeds the rate of bone formation. This imbalance can occur due to various factors such as calcium or vitamin D deficiency, inadequate levels of estrogen, and impaired bone formation by osteoblasts.
For example, if there is a calcium deficiency, the parathyroid gland releases a hormone called PTH, which promotes bone resorption by osteoclasts. Without sufficient levels of calcium or vitamin D, the bones may not receive the necessary building blocks to form new bone, leading to a net loss of bone mass.
In summary, if the rate of bone resorption is greater than the rate of new bone formation, it can result in osteoporosis and a net loss of bone.