Archive | 2019
Histomorphology: Deciphering the Metabolic Record
Abstract
Abstract Bone adjusts the amount and distribution of its mass to withstand its typical mechanical loading environment. Modeling alters the external size and cross-sectional shape of the bone. Remodeling modifies the distribution, size, and shape of the microscopic structures that compose bone tissue. Toughening mechanisms, which allow bone to dissipate energy before breaking, are major determinants of this histomorphology. Dysregulation of the remodeling process due to aging or pathological conditions can significantly alter bone microstructure. This impedes microstructural contributions to bone strength, increasing bone fragility and fracture risk. This chapter demonstrates calculation of remodeling parameters. It also discusses how specific microstructural features are associated with mechanical loading in healthy individuals, and how their histological presentation is changed by aging and pathology. Microdamage, lacunar-canaliculi architecture, vascular porosity, lamellar organization, and whole bone cross-sectional shape are individually considered. Bone histomorphology is essential for understanding how pathological conditions alter bone strength.