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Need-to-know anatomy
Our bones provide structural support for muscles, protect vital organs, and store calcium and other minerals. Bones are made of living, growing tissue. They're made mostly of collagen, a protein that provides a soft framework, and calcium phosphate, a mineral that adds strength and hardens the framework. This combination of collagen and calcium makes bones strong yet flexible to withstand stress. More than 99 percent of the body's calcium is contained in the bones and teeth. (The remaining 1 percent is found in the blood.) An outer shell of cortical or dense bone encases trabecular or spongy bone. The bones are constantly being repaired. This is necessary because daily use leads to small breaks in the bone (microfractures). The repair process is affected by exercise and diet, especially intake of calcium and Vitamin D. When osteoporosis occurs, the cortical bone becomes thinner and the spongy bone becomes thinner, with larger holes. This makes the bone weaker.
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When the body needs calcium, it breaks down and rebuilds bone. This process, called "bone remolding," supplies the body with needed calcium while keeping the bones strong. Bones are constantly changing; they can heal and may be affected by diet and exercise. When osteoporosis occurs, the "holes" in the spongy bone tissue grow larger and more numerous, weakining the internal structure of the bone.
Think of your bones as a savings account. There is only as much bone mass in your account as you deposit.
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