Which disease is described by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue?

Which disease is described by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue?

• A. Osteoporosis
• B. Osteopenia
• C. Rickets
• D. Osteomalacia

Answer: (A)

This describes osteoporosis: bones have both decreased mass and degraded internal structure, which together weaken strength and raise fracture risk. Bone strength comes from how much bone there is (density) and how well its internal framework holds up (quality). In osteoporosis, there is thinning of the trabecular network and increased cortical porosity, so bones become fragile even with minor stresses. Osteopenia is just low bone mass without the same level of architectural deterioration. Rickets and osteomalacia involve defective bone mineralization from vitamin D deficiency, leading to soft bones, but not the primary combination of low density with structural deterioration that characterizes osteoporosis.

This describes osteoporosis: bones have both decreased mass and degraded internal structure, which together weaken strength and raise fracture risk. Bone strength comes from how much bone there is (density) and how well its internal framework holds up (quality). In osteoporosis, there is thinning of the trabecular network and increased cortical porosity, so bones become fragile even with minor stresses. Osteopenia is just low bone mass without the same level of architectural deterioration. Rickets and osteomalacia involve defective bone mineralization from vitamin D deficiency, leading to soft bones, but not the primary combination of low density with structural deterioration that characterizes osteoporosis.