The Bone Growth Process: Building Your Body's Framework

Bone growth is a fascinating process, one that begins before birth and continues throughout life. Bones are the essential framework of the body, providing structure, a place for muscles and tendons to attach, and protecting vital organs. If proper care is not taken, bone growth can be impaired and serious health problems can occur.

The bone growth process begins before birth. In the fetus, most of the skeleton is made up of cartilage. As the baby develops, cells called osteoblasts lay down a network of calcium, forming bones. Growth plates form at the ends of the bones, and these remain until the bones have grown to their full length and children reach their full height. During this time, bones are increasing in density and continue to do so until the approximate age of 35 years.

Bone Growth and Remodeling

Bone growth refers to bones growing laterally as well as longitudinally. From childhood, the bones constantly regenerate themselves, growing thicker as they grow longer. During this regeneration process, called "remodeling," cells called osteoclasts siphon off bone cells at the same time that the osteoblasts lay on new ones. Bones become thicker and denser as long as the osteoblasts are more active than the osteoclasts. Calcium and plenty of weight-bearing exercise play important roles in supporting this process.

Once the age of 35 is reached, bone growth begins to slow down. The osteoblasts become less active and the osteoclasts become more active, resulting in bones that are no longer increasing in density as they once were. If a high level of calcium is not maintained in the body, the bones will begin to lose density as less bone is added and more is taken away. Eventually, the bones become very thin, weak, and brittle. This weakening of the bones, and loss of bone density, is called osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is not a fatal disease, but it can cause complications that lead to death. When the bones have become thin and brittle, a woman can easily break them simply by tripping and falling or bumping into hard surfaces. Healing can be slow and painful, and often the person is combined to bed for many months or even the rest of her life. Consuming a diet high in calcium and taking a calcium supplement in order to protect the bones and promote new bone growth can prevent osteoporosis.