Autoimmune disease A disease produced when the
body's normal tolerance of its own constituents disappears, resulting
in the attack and destruction of the body's normal cells by the
immune system
Bisphosphonates a family of non-hormonal drugs which are
used to prevent and treat osteoporosis
Bone densitometry a test which detects low bone density.
The most common bone density test is called dual energy x-ray
absorptiometry (DXA). The test involves lying on a table for 10-20
minutes while a small x-ray detector scans the spine, hips or
both
Bone density The volume of calcium and minerals within
the bone tissue
Bone mass The total amount of bone tissue in the skeleton
Calcitonin is a thyroid hormone that reduces blood calcium
Cartilage The translucent and elastic tissue that composes
most of the skeletal system during the early years of growth and
development and eventually converts to bone. Cartilage then becomes
an important player in keeping bone flexible
Collagen An insoluble protein fiber that is the primary
constituent in connective tissue (skin and tendons) and bone
Corticosteroids Any number of hormonal steroid substances
secreted from the adrenal glands; corticosteroids permit many
biochemical processes to proceed at optimal rates
Cytokines Compounds involved in regulating the immune
response
Estrogen A hormone usually associated with promoting the
development of female secondary sex characteristics, including
breast
Glycoprotein A molecule that is composed of a protein
molecule linked to a carbohydrate molecule
Hard bone Also known as compact cortical bone; the dense
outer covering of a bone that surrounds trabecular bone; the outside
surface of bone
Herniated disk A rupture or protrusion of the cushioning
gelatinous mass at the center of the intervertebral disk between
the lumbar vertebrae of the spine, causing pain in the affected
side
Homocysteine An amino acid produced during metabolism
of another amino acid called methionine. Homocysteine is regarded
as a risk factor for heart disease and is implicated in other
disease conditions
Homocystinuria An inherited disease caused by the absence
of an enzyme essential to the metabolism of homocystine
Hormone A chemical messenger within the body that is secreted
by one type of cell and acts on another type of cell
Hydroxyapatite The chief structural component of bone;
composed primarily of calcium phosphate crystals
Hyperthyroidism Excessive activity of the thyroid gland,
resulting in increased metabolic rate, enlargement of the thyroid
gland, rapid heart rate and high blood pressure
Hypothyroidism Deficient activity of the thyroid gland,
resulting in decreased metabolic rate and a general loss of energy
or strength
Interleukin Any of several compounds produced by cells
of the immune system that function in the regulation of the immune
system
Isoflavone A natural plant chemical that exerts estrogenlike
effects in the body
Malabsorption The inability to adequately or efficiently
absorb nutrients from the intestinal tract
Modulate To alter the function or status of something
in response to a stimulant
Monocyte A large white blood cell involved in the first
line of immune defense and in the inflammatory process
Ossification The natural process of bone formation
Osteoblast Cells that form bone
Osteoclast Cells that break down bone
Osteocyte A cell that resides within special regions of
adult bone and is involved in the maintenance of that bone
Osteogenesis The formation of bone in connective tissue
or cartilage (osteo meaning "bone" and genesis meaning
"to begin")
Osteomalacia Also know as "adult rickets." A
softening of the bones as a result of a deficiency of vitamin
D
Osteopenia A condition characterized by a decrease in
bone density but not necessarily by an increase in fracture risk
or incidence
Osteoporosis A condition characterized by a decrease in
bone mass as well as by decreased bone density and increased risk
and / or incidence of fracture
Parafollicular cells Found in the vicinity of or located
around the cells of the thyroid
Parathyroid hormone or parathomone (PTH) A hormone secreted
by the parathyroid gland and associated with calcium utilization
in the body
Peak bone mass The maximum amount of bone one can achieve
during skeletal growth
Piezoelectricity Electricity or polarity that is a result
of pressure, especially in crystals
Primary osteoporosis the term used to describe the rapid
bone loss that can occur after menopause or as we age. Apart from
the loss of ovarian function, it is not known what causes primary
osteoporosis. It can also affect young (premenopausal) women and
young men
Prostaglandian A large group of biologically active compounds
synthesized from unsaturated fatty acids. Prostaglandins have
a wide assortment of biological effects, some of which are: fluid
balance, blood flow, gastrointestinal function, and neurotransmission
Proteoglycans Molecules found in the extracellular matrix
of connective tissue that is composed of many carbohydrates linked
to a protein
Receptor A cell component that combines with a drug, hormone,
or chemical to alter the function of that cell
Remodeling The process of replacing old bone with new
bone through the action of osteoclasts and osteoblasts
Resorption The breakdown and assimilation of bone through
the action of osteoclasts
Risk factors factors which influence an individual's risk
of developing osteoporosis. Common risk factors are: female; age
50 or older; prolonged hormonal imbalances; past menopause, early
or surgical menopause; insufficient calcium in one's diet; limited
exposure to sunlight or insufficient vitamin D; not enough physical
activity; family history of osteoporosis; caucasian or asian ancestry;
thin or small boned; smoking; excess of caffeine or alcohol; certain
medications; primary hyperparathyroidism; previous osteoporotic
fracture; history of hyperparathyroidism
Secondary osteoporosis refers to bone loss caused by other
diseases or drug treatments and can affect a person at any time
during his/her life
SERMs (selective estrogen receptor modulator): a family
of drugs for use in preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal
women. SERMs act like estrogen in some tissues, while at other
times blocking the effects of estrogen. That is why they are said
to be selective
Skeletal system The rigid, supportive, and protective
structure or framework of an organism; the bony or cartilaginous
framework supporting the soft tissues and protecting the internal
organs
Spongy bone Also know as trabecular bone. A latticelike
structure of bony tissue that makes up the inner portion of bone
Vertebrae Any one of the thirty-three bony segments of
the spinal column
Elements of this glossary have been adopted from the following
source:
The Osteoporosis Solution: New Therapies For Prevention and Treatment,
by Carl Germano (Kensington Pub. 1999).
