The rate of bone resorption is greater than the rate of bone deposition during
A old age
B early adulthood
C childhood and adolescence
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A) old age.
As individuals age, the balance between bone resorption (the process by which bone is broken down and minerals are released into the bloodstream) and bone deposition (the process by which new bone tissue is formed) shifts. In old age, the rate of bone resorption typically exceeds the rate of bone deposition. This occurs due to a variety of factors, including changes in hormones, reduced physical activity, and decreased calcium absorption.
Bone mass is regulated by several factors, particularly hormones like estrogen and testosterone, which help maintain bone density. In postmenopausal women, for example, estrogen levels drop significantly, leading to an increase in the activity of osteoclasts (cells responsible for bone resorption). Similarly, testosterone levels decline in men with age, contributing to a gradual decrease in bone density. This imbalance can lead to conditions like osteoporosis, where bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures.
Physical activity also plays a significant role in bone health. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or resistance training, stimulate bone formation. However, as people age, they may become less active, which can further contribute to bone loss. Additionally, the body’s ability to absorb calcium and produce vitamin D declines with age, further hindering bone health.
Thus, while bone formation is generally more prominent in childhood and adolescence when bone growth is at its peak, and the bone remodeling process remains balanced during early adulthood, old age is marked by a decline in bone deposition, leading to a higher risk of bone loss and fractures.