Images Dated 15th June 1999

Light micrograph of compact bone with osteoporosis

Osteoporosis. Light micrograph of compact bone affected by osteoporosis. Compact bone makes up the hard outer parts of the shafts of long bones. In osteoporosis, its density decreases so that large spaces form (as seen here), increasing the brittleness of the bone, and making fractures more likely. Osteoporosis affects elderly people as part of the ageing process, but it is more common in women after the menopause as their ovaries stop producing oestrogen hormones which help maintain bone mass. It is irreversible, but its progress can be slowed by a healthy diet rich in calcium and regular exercise. Differential interference contrast. Magnification: x200 at 6x9cm size

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