Textbook Question
Explain the effect that the following hormones have on growth of bone tissue:
b. Testosterone
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6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue
An Introduction to Bone and Skeletal Tissue
Problem 15c
Textbook Question
Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
c. The greater the load the bone must carry, the more bone that is resorbed by osteoclasts.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the role of osteoclasts in bone remodeling. Osteoclasts are specialized cells responsible for breaking down and resorbing bone tissue during the process of bone remodeling.
Step 2: Recognize the relationship between mechanical load and bone remodeling. When bones experience greater mechanical loads, they adapt by increasing bone formation rather than resorption. This process is known as Wolff's Law, which states that bone grows stronger in response to stress or load.
Step 3: Evaluate the statement provided. The statement claims that greater load leads to more bone resorption by osteoclasts. Based on Wolff's Law, this is incorrect because greater load typically stimulates osteoblast activity to increase bone density, not osteoclast activity.
Step 4: Correct the false statement. The corrected statement should read: 'The greater the load the bone must carry, the more bone is deposited by osteoblasts to strengthen the bone.'
Step 5: Review the corrected statement and ensure it aligns with the principles of bone physiology, emphasizing the adaptive response of bones to mechanical stress.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Bone Remodeling
Bone remodeling is a continuous process where old bone tissue is replaced by new bone tissue. This process involves two main types of cells: osteoclasts, which break down bone, and osteoblasts, which build new bone. The balance between these activities is crucial for maintaining bone strength and integrity.
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Osteoclasts
Osteoclasts are specialized cells responsible for bone resorption, meaning they break down bone tissue. They play a vital role in regulating bone density and calcium levels in the body. When the mechanical load on a bone increases, osteoclast activity can be influenced to adapt the bone structure accordingly.
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Wolff's Law
Wolff's Law states that bone adapts to the loads under which it is placed. This means that if a bone is subjected to increased stress or load, it will remodel itself over time to become stronger and better able to withstand that load. Conversely, if the load decreases, bone density may decrease as well.
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