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Cortical bone (compact bone)
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A dense bone tissue that makes up the outer surface of all bones, as well as the entirety of most small bones of the body
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Trabecular bone (spongy or cancellous bone)
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A porous bone tissue that makes up only 20% of our skeleton and is found within the end of the long bones, inside the spinal vertebrae, inside the flat bones (breastbone, ribs, and most bones of the skull) and inside the bones of the pelvis.
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Bone density
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The degree of compactness of bone tissue, reflecting the strength of the bones. Peak bone density is the point at which a bone is strongest
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Remodelling
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The two-step process by which bone tissue is recycled; includes the breakdown of existing bone and the formation of new bone
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Resorption
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The process by which the surface of bone is broken down by cells called osteoclasts
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Osteoclasts
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Cells that erode the surface of bones by secreting enzymes and acids that dig grooves into the bone matrix
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Osteoblasts
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Cells that prompt the formation of new bone matrix by laying down the collagen-containing component of bone that is then mineralized
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Dual energy x-ray absorptiomentry (DXA or DEXA)
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Currently the most accurate tool for measuring bone density
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T-score
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A comparison of an individual's bone density to the average peak bone density of a 30-year-old healthy adult of the same sex and race. If bone density is normal, the T-score will be between +1 and -1
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Bioavailability
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The degree to which our bodies can absorb and use any given nutrients
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Hypercalcemia
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A condition marked by an abnormally high concentration of calcium in the blood
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Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
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A hormone that helps to regulate blood calcium levels
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Hypocalcemia
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A condition characterized by an abnormally low concentration of calcium in the blood
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Calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D)
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The primary active form of vitamin D in the body
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Ergocalciferol
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Vitamin D2, a form of vitamin D found exclusively in plant food
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