The bone organ system: form and function
2.1 Introduction Bone is a vital, dynamic connective tissue whose structure and composition reflect a balance among its major functions: provision of mechanical integrity for locomotion and for protection of…
ENDOCRINOLOGY
Osteoclast biology
5.1 Introduction A unique feature of bone is that it contains specialized cells dedicated to its own destruction. These cells, the osteoclasts, are generally regarded as the only cells capable…
Osteoblast biology: developmental origin and interactive nature of osteoblasts
6.1 Developmental origin of osteoblasts 6.1.1 Control of osteoblast function 6.1.1.1 Signaling pathways that control bone formation Osteoblasts originate from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that represent the primary cells that…
The skeletal stem cell
4.1 Introduction The lineage relationships and kinetics of the cellular components of bone are the focus of this chapter. Tissues in mammals are generally maintained by one of two schemas,…
Development of the skeleton
3.1 Overview The skeletal system consists of 206 bones of strikingly varying shapes, sizes, and functions. More than with any other organ, the specific shapes and sizes of these bones…
The nature of osteoporosis
1.1 Defining osteoporosis This chapter introduces the topic of osteoporosis from the perspective of the bone. Its purpose is to consider the definition of osteoporosis and to discuss the nature…
Short Stature
3Short Stature Introduction Definitions of short stature, failure to thrive, and growth failure Physiology of growth Endocrine control of growth Clinical assessment of growth Clinical assessment of short stature Investigation…
Diabetes Mellitus
1Diabetes Mellitus Definition Incidence Biochemistry Clinical presentation Investigations Initial management of newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes Insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes Dietary management Management of the child presenting with…
Calcium and Bone
10Calcium and Bone Physiology Hypocalcaemia Treatment Rickets Osteoporosis Hypercalcaemia When to involve a specialist centre Transition Future developments Controversial points Potential pitfalls Case histories Significant Guidelines/Consensus Statements References Further Reading…
