Bones

Abstract

Bones in space were the subject of this chapter. Related concepts osteoporosis and disuse osteoporosis were reviewed. The precise degradation suffered by the skeleton in space was variously referred to as bone loss, bone strength, bone density loss, bone decay and bone demineralization. It was noted that the rate of bone degradation has been underestimated. A half-dozen potential causes of space bone problems were considered. Related deficiencies in magnesium, proteins and Vitamin D were noted. Resorption exceeds new bone formation in space. Space-induced bone problems do not necessarily improve upon return to the Earth. Solutions to spacecaused bone problems were discussed.

Keywords: Absorption, biomedicine, bone decay, bone loss, calcium, decay, demineralization, disuse osteoporosis, excretion, fracture, kidney stone, magnesium, National Academy of Science, National Research Council, osteoporosis, protein, resorption, Science Channel, vestibular, vitamin D.