FACTORS INFLUENCING BONE HEALTH

1. HEREDITY- Genetic factors could influence skeletal growth and the amount of bone
mass attained.
A 2009 research overview explained that anywhere from 25 to 85 percent of our BMD
and other skeletal characteristics may be inherited.
2. Inadequate intake of nutrients important to bone increases the risk for bone loss and
subsequent osteoporosis. The process of bone formation requires an adequate and
constant supply of nutrients, such as calcium, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin
D, potassium, and fluoride.
3. Primary function of estrogen is development of the female secondary sex characteristics
such as ovaries, vagina and uterus.

Ovaries: Estrogen helps stimulate the growth of the egg follicle.

Vagina: In the vagina, estrogen maintains the thickness of the vaginal wall and
promotes lubrication.
Uterus: Estrogen enhances and maintains the mucous membrane that lines the
uterus.

The hormone estrogen regulates bone metabolism. It is essential to bone health

because it promotes the activity of osteoblasts, which are the cells that make new bone.
When estrogen levels drop — for example, during menopause — a person may lose
bone density.

Ribs 1–7 are classified as true ribs (vertebrosternal ribs). The

costal cartilage from each of these ribs attaches directly to the
sternum.
Ribs 8–12 are called false ribs (vertebrochondral ribs). The
costal cartilages from these ribs do not attach directly to the
sternum.
The last false ribs (11–12) are also called floating (vertebral)
ribs, because these ribs do not attach to the sternum at all.