Basic-Dictionary

To determine changes in bone metabolism biochemical markers and imaging methods are used. Bone metabolism is not a restricted variable, it is a continuous rebuilding process determined by various regulatory mechanisms. This dynamic bone turnover and therewith the activity of bone cells (osteoblasts and osteoclasts) can be measured through blood and urine markers released into the circulation and excreted through urine. Bone markers are bone matrix components released into the circulation during formation or resorption of bone. Measuring these components gives an information about the rate of formation or degradation of bone matrix.

Bone metabolism is not a restricted variable, it is a continuous rebuilding process. Every rebuilding starts with the resorption of old bone. Responsible are the bone degrading cells, the osteoclasts. Bone building cells, which form new bone are called osteobasts. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts are one unit. They control each other. Old bone, dregraded by osteoclasts is rebuild by osteoblasts. Resorption and formation is temporally and spatially coupled.