Osteo Definitions

and Sources of Help

Definitions

absorptiometry: medical test used to determine bone density.
bone density: amount of bone tissue contained in a certain volume of bone.
bone mass: amount of bone tissue contained in a bone.
bone resorption: process when old bone is dissolved and eliminated.
calcium: mineral used by the body to help maintain bones and teeth.
compression fracture: in osteoporosis, it is a fracture caused by one bone pressing against another. Collapse of vertebrae in the spine is often due to osteoporosis.
cortical bone: dense, outer layer of bone.
Dowager's hump: hump in the upper part of the back caused by compression fractures of the vertebrae.
estrogen: hormone produced by the ovaries. A lack of estrogen in women may accelerate the process of osteoporosis.
Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT): supplemental estrogen given to women after surgery or menopause to restore normal levels of estrogen.
femur: large bone that extends from the knee to the hip.
fracture: break in a bone.
menopause: cessation of menstruation which causes a decrease in estrogen production.
osteoblast: cell that helps form bone.
osteoclast: cell that helps dissolve and eliminate bone.
ovary: reproductive glands(2)in women that produce both estrogen and progesterone.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH): hormone that activates the bone resorption process, increasing calcium in the blood.
Peak bone mass: point at which bones reach their maximum strength and density and is usually around the age of 30.
trabecular bone: interior portion of bone with spongy appearance and is found primarily in wrist, spine, and hip.
vertebrae: one of 26 individual bones that make up the spinal column.

Sources of Help
National Osteoporosis Foundation
1150 17th St. NW, #500
Washington, DC 20036-4603
800-223-9994 (24 Hour Line)
202-223-2226
FAX: 202-223-2237
(For locations on your nearest bone density testing sites, call (800) 464-6700.)
Web Location: National Osteoporosis Foundation

National Institute on Aging
Information Center
PO Box 8057
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8057
800-222-2225 (M - F / 9 - 5 EST)

Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center
1150 17th St. NW, #500
Washington, DC 20036-4603
800-624-2663
202-223-0344

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
601 E. St., NW
Washington, DC 20049
202-434-2277
web location: AARP

Osteo
Home
Page

Osteo
Facts
in
Brief

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page

Osteo Definitions

and Sources of Help

Definitions

Sources of Help

OsteoHomePage

OsteoFactsinBrief

Osteo
Home
Page

Osteo
Facts
in
Brief