Human Bones

Breakdown

Over time, as healthy bone is subject to the wear and tear of use, the bone develops microfractures in the hard surfaces which weakens areas of bone. The bone reacts to this weakening in the same way it does to the task of repairing a break.

Bone Reabsorption

Osteoclast cells are dispatched to attack the weak bone and with the aid of a variety of systemic hormones, dissolve the deteriorating bone, releasing calcium into the blood.

Excavation

As the bone is turned to fine particles, the particles are absorbed into the body as calcium, leaving tiny areas that have been essentially excavated by the osteoclasts.

Repair

Next, osteoblasts arrive on the scene and collect around the damaged sites. The osteoblasts fill in the damaged area with new bone with the aid of growth hormones, vitamins like B12 and other growth stimulating substances in the blood.

Mineralization

The new bone absorbs systemic calcium, is mineralized and becomes healthy bone tissue.

An Ongoing Cycle

Over the life of the bone, the cycle of breakdown and repair continues steadily. Exercise and good nutrition stimulate bone growth and repair more than any other factor. Bone loss and weakening as people age is due more to reduced exercise and poor nutrition than to the passage of years.