The effects of aging on the skeletal system for men and women.

Full Answer Section

      Prevention:

• Diet: Ensure adequate intake of calcium (dairy products, leafy greens), vitamin D (fatty fish, eggs, fortified foods), and phosphorus (meat, poultry, fish).
• Sunlight exposure: Promotes vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Aim for moderate sun exposure on exposed skin for short periods most days of the week (depending on skin tone and location).
• Supplements: Vitamin D supplements are especially important for:
  • Infants (breastfed or formula-fed)
  • Pregnant/breastfeeding women
  • Adults with limited sun exposure or at higher risk of deficiency (e.g., dark skin, certain medical conditions)

Treatments:

• Vitamin D supplements: Address the deficiency and promote calcium absorption.
• Calcium supplements: May be needed depending on dietary intake.
• Physical therapy: To improve muscle strength and flexibility, especially in children with rickets.
• Bracing or casting: In severe cases of rickets, to help correct bone deformities.

Similarities: Both rickets and osteomalacia are caused by vitamin D deficiency leading to impaired calcium absorption and bone mineralization. Differences:

• Age: Rickets affects children with growing bones, while osteomalacia affects adults with already formed bones.
• Manifestations: Rickets often presents with skeletal deformities due to the ongoing growth process being affected. Osteomalacia typically shows more generalized bone pain and weakness.

Effects of Aging on Skeletal System (Men vs. Women): Similarities:

• Bone loss: Both experience a gradual decrease in bone mineral density with age, making them more susceptible to fractures.

Differences:

• Rate of bone loss: Women experience a more rapid decline in bone density, particularly after menopause due to decreased estrogen production.
• Causes of bone loss:
  • Men: Primarily due to decreased bone formation.
  • Women: A combination of decreased formation and increased bone breakdown.
• Skeletal sites affected:
  • Women: More prone to osteoporosis in the spine and hip (due to thinner bones in these areas).
  • Men: More susceptible to osteoporosis in the hip.

Overall: Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis compared to men due to the more rapid bone loss after menopause.    

Sample Answer

     

Rickets and Osteomalacia:

Manifestations:

• Rickets (children):
  • Bone pain
  • Stunted growth
  • Bowing in legs (especially tibia and fibula)
  • Muscle weakness
  • Delayed walking
  • Skeletal deformities (e.g., enlarged skull, beaded ribs)
• Osteomalacia (adults):
  • Bone pain, especially in the lower back, hips, and ribs
  • Muscle weakness
  • Increased risk of fractures