Osteoporotic bone, SEM - stock photo

Osteoporotic bone. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of bone affected by osteoporosis (brittle bone disease). Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that causes a reduction in density and an increase in porosity, resulting in increased brittleness and a greater risk of fracture. It commonly affects post- menopausal women, who experience a decrease in levels of the hormone oestrogen. It may also develop following injury or infection. Oestrogen replacements and drugs that slow the rate of bone loss are used to treat the disease. Magnification: x65 when printed at 10 centimetres wide