UTHSCSA PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES COMMUNITY MEDICINE PROJECT
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Bone physiology

Clipart of bricksBone Remodeling

Strong, healthy bone is continually maintained through the bone remodeling process. Bone remodeling has two phases: formation and resorption.

During formation, special cells called osteoblasts deposit new bone tissue to build strong bone.

Clipart of mortarThis remodeling process can be compared to a brick layer that builds the framework of a house.

The brick layer uses materials such as cement, water, sand and brick to create a strong framework similar to the osteoblasts that need minerals and hormones to form new strong bone tissue.

Clipart of wrecking ballDuring resorption, special cells called osteoclasts break down and remove old bone.

A demolition ball is used to break down old worn down buildings similar to the osteoclasts that break down and remove old bone.

 


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Physician Assistant Studies All rights reserved. Created May 2003; updated 19 May 2003.
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