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For those that are just learning about Osteoporosis I thought this would get you started Osteoporosis Glossary by Wendy C. Fries Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD WebMD Medical Reference Bone: Bone forms the skeleton of the body and is made chiefly of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. It also serves as a storage area for calcium. Bone Density: Bone density is the amount of bone tissue in a certain volume of bone. It can be measured using a special X-ray called a quantitative computed tomogram. Bone Mineral Density: A measure of bone density, reflecting the amount of calcium in bones. It detects osteopenia (bone loss usually without symptoms) and osteoporosis (more severe bone loss that may cause symptoms). Calcitonin: A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that lowers the levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood and promotes the formation of bone. Calcium: A mineral found mainly in the hard part of bones. Calcium is essential for healthy bones and important for muscle contraction, heart action, nervous system maintenance, and normal blood clotting. DEXA: Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. A technique for scanning bone and measuring bone mineral density. Estrogen: Estrogen is a female hormone produced by the ovaries. Estrogen deficiency can lead to osteoporosis. Fracture: A break in bone or cartilage. Although usually the result of trauma, a fracture can be caused by an acquired disease of bone such as osteoporosis. Hip Fracture: Broken bone in the hip, a key health problem among the elderly, usually due to a fall or other kind of trauma involving direct impact to the hip bone which has been weakened by osteoporosis. Hyperparathyroidism: Too much parathyroid hormone resulting in abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood. This can cause bone resorption and osteoporosis, calcium deposits in the kidneys, and more. Osteopenia: Mild thinning of the bone mass, but not as severe as osteoporosis. Osteopenia is generally considered the first step on the road to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis: Thinning of the bones with reduction in bone mass due to depletion of calcium and bone protein. Unchecked osteoporosis can lead to posture changes, physical abnormality, and decreased mobility. Postmenopausal: After menopause. The time after which a woman has experienced twelve (12) consecutive months without a period. Vitamin D: A steroid vitamin that promotes the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. With normal sunlight exposure, no dietary supplementation is necessary because sunlight promotes adequate vitamin D synthesis in the skin. SOURCE: MedicineNet.com: "Osteoporosis Glossary of Terms." |
