Osteoporosis is a common condition, in which bone density is decreased as a consequence of an imbalance between bone formation (osteoblast) and bone loss (osteoclast). This leads to fragile bones, which are at an increased risk for fractures. The term “porosis” means spongy, which describes the large holes seen in these bones.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2004 Springer-Verlag
About this entry
Cite this entry
(2004). Osteoporosis. In: Encyclopedic Reference of Molecular Pharmacology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-29832-0_1191
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-29832-0_1191
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-42843-5
Online ISBN: 978-3-540-29832-8
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive