Which statement accurately describes a characteristic of osteoporosis?

Which statement accurately describes a characteristic of osteoporosis?

• A. Increased muscle mass
• B. Strengthened bone structure
• C. Increased risk of fractures
• D. Stable bone mass

Answer: (C)

Osteoporosis is characterized by a decrease in bone density and strength, which leads to a higher susceptibility to fractures. As the bone becomes less dense and more porous, the structural integrity is compromised. This weakening of the bones significantly increases the risk of fractures even from minimal trauma, which is a defining aspect of osteoporosis. In contrast, increased muscle mass or strengthened bone structure would not describe osteoporosis but rather healthier, more robust skeletal and muscular conditions. Likewise, stable bone mass contradicts the fundamental nature of osteoporosis, as this condition is characterized by a progressive loss of bone density over time. Therefore, recognizing the increased risk of fractures as a key characteristic provides a clear understanding of the implications of osteoporosis on skeletal health.

Osteoporosis is characterized by a decrease in bone density and strength, which leads to a higher susceptibility to fractures. As the bone becomes less dense and more porous, the structural integrity is compromised. This weakening of the bones significantly increases the risk of fractures even from minimal trauma, which is a defining aspect of osteoporosis.

In contrast, increased muscle mass or strengthened bone structure would not describe osteoporosis but rather healthier, more robust skeletal and muscular conditions. Likewise, stable bone mass contradicts the fundamental nature of osteoporosis, as this condition is characterized by a progressive loss of bone density over time. Therefore, recognizing the increased risk of fractures as a key characteristic provides a clear understanding of the implications of osteoporosis on skeletal health.