What happens to bone remodeling when osteoclasts are overactive?

• A. Bone mass increases
• B. Bone mass remains the same
• C. Bone mass decreases
• D. Bone mass fluctuates

Answer: (C)

When osteoclasts are overactive, bone remodeling is significantly affected. Osteoclasts are specialized cells responsible for bone resorption, a process where they break down bone tissue, leading to the release of minerals, particularly calcium, into the bloodstream. When these cells are overly active, they resorb more bone than the osteoblasts, which are responsible for bone formation, can create new bone.

As a result of this imbalance between resorption and formation, bone mass ultimately decreases. Increased activity of osteoclasts leads to a net loss of bone density and can result in conditions such as osteoporosis, where the structural integrity of bones weakens, making them more susceptible to fractures. Therefore, the understanding of osteoclast function and its impact on bone remodeling is crucial in recognizing how imbalances in these processes can lead to reduced bone mass.