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Glossary of Osteoporosis Terms |
| Assay: A laboratory test performed to quantitatively
or qualitatively measure a substance. Bisphosphonates: A class of chemical compounds that are potent inhibitors of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Bone Mass/Bone Mineral Density: The amount or density of bone present at the measurement site in an individual. Bone mass measurements are a predictor of the risk of fracture. Bone Remodeling: A continuous process in which bone is removed and replaced. Bone Resorption: The phase of bone remodeling during which bone is degraded and eliminated by osteoclasts. Calcitonin: A naturally occurring hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. Calcitonin inhibits bone resorption. Collagen: A helical protein that forms the biologic fabric of bone and most other connective tissues. Computed Tomography (CT Scans): A diagnostic technique used to measure bone mass at the spine and other areas of the skeleton through a computerized radiographic method. Cortical Bone: Densely packed layers of tissue that form the tough outer layer of bone. Eighty percent of the skeleton is cortical, or compact, bone. Cross-Linked N-Telopeptides (NTx): A breakdown product of bone resorption that is highly specific to bone type I collagen due to its unique amino acid sequences of the alpha-2 telopeptide chain. Deoxypyridiline (Dpd): An amino acid that cross links collagen in bone and some other collagen-rich tissues. Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA): An advanced form of dual-photon absorptiometry (DPA) that uses X-rays generated at two energy levels. DEXA provides faster and more precise measurement of the hip, spine and full body with less radiation exposure than many other bone densitometry methods. Estrogen: A hormone produced by the ovaries. Stimulates the development of female secondary sex characteristics. Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT): Estrogen used in the treatment of vasomotor symptoms, prevention of osteoporosis and protection against cardiovascular disease. Often used with women who have had hysterectomies. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Estrogen in combination with progestin used in the treatment of vasomotor symptoms, prevention of osteoporosis and protection against cardiovascular disease. Often used with patients with intact uterus. Hyperparathyroidism: The presence of excess parathyroid hormone in the body resulting in stimulated bone loss. Hydroxyproline: An amino acid that is abundant in collagen. Osteoarthritis: Arthritis of middle age characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in joints. Osteoblast: A bone-forming cell. Osteoclast: A cell that resorbs and removes bone tissue. Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by low bone mass with decreased density and enlargement of bone spaces leading to enhanced bone fragility and increased risk of fracture. Paget’s Disease of Bone: A bone disease characterized by increased bone turnover. It is a simultaneous osseous hyperplasia (excessive formation of bone) and accelerated deossification (absorption of bone), resulting in deformed and structurally weak bones. Parathyroid Hormone (PTH): A hormone of the parathyroid gland that regulates the metabolism of calcium and phosphorous in the body. Peak Bone Mass: The point at which bones have reached maximum mass. Pyridinoline: An amino acid derived from lysine that cross-links the collagen found in bone, cartilage and other connective tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, fascia and blood vessels. Secondary (Drug-Induced) Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis caused by side effects from various drugs. Sodium Fluoride: An experimental chemical compound which, in therapy, has been shown to stimulate osteoblast activity and increase bone mass. Trabecular Bone: The interior portion of the bone which has a porous, sponge-like structure. Vitamin D: A nutrient that aids in calcium absorption, essential for normal bone and tooth structure. |
