Case Study: The Mystery of the Brittle Bones Mr. Jones, a 65…
Case Study: The Mystery of the Brittle Bones Mr. Jones, a 65-year-old man, has been experiencing increasing fragility in his bones. He reports several fractures over the past few years from minor falls. A recent bone density scan revealed significantly reduced bone mass. Blood tests showed normal levels of calcium and vitamin D3. However, further analysis indicated elevated levels of parathyroid hormone and increased osteoclast activity. Histological examination of a bone biopsy showed a decrease in the thickness of the lamellae in his osteons, but the collagen fibers appeared structurally normal. If Mr. Jones’s condition progresses significantly without intervention, which of the following bone types would likely be MOST affected by the overall reduction in bone mass and density?