Final answer:
Osteoporosis is the condition where bones become weak and brittle due to an imbalance between bone resorption and formation, leading to increased fracture risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition in which the bones become more porous, brittle, and fragile, and are more likely to fracture, is called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a significant health concern particularly for the elderly, as it involves a decrease in bone mass and density. The imbalance in activity between cells responsible for bone formation and bone resorption leads to the weakening of bones. In severe cases, fractures can occur with minor stress or even without any stress due to the weakened state of the bones. This disorder is characterized by thin, weakened bones that are prone to breaking, and it is the most common cause of fractures in the elderly population. Osteoporosis results from an imbalance in the activity of osteoblasts, which are cells that build bone, and osteoclasts, which are cells that break down bone tissue. The rate of bone resorption exceeds the rate of bone formation as people age, which can lead to osteoporosis. Contributing factors may include hormonal changes, certain diseases, and the use of some medications that promote bone thinning.