What happens to bones that are affected by osteoporosis?

Bones affected by osteoporosis experience thinning and weakening, which occurs due to a decrease in bone density. This condition arises when the balance between bone resorption (the process of breaking down bone) and bone formation is disrupted. In osteoporosis, osteoclasts (cells that break down bone) become more active or more numerous, leading to an increased release of calcium into the bloodstream. Consequently, this causes bones to lose their strength and structural integrity, making them more susceptible to fractures and breaks.

The other options do not accurately reflect the changes that occur in osteoporotic bones. For instance, stating that bones become overly dense and strong contradicts the very definition of osteoporosis, which involves reduced density. Similarly, claiming that bones remain unchanged throughout life does not account for the natural processes of bone remodeling that occur; osteoporosis specifically refers to an imbalance in these processes. Lastly, the idea that bones absorb more calcium and become healthier is not true in the context of osteoporosis, as the primary issue is a net loss of bone mass, making them weaker overall.