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There are 2 types of cells that populate living bone: osteoblasts (cells that build new bone) and osteoclasts (cells that destroy and recycle old bone).
A feedback system based on stresses in the bone keeps the operation of these cells in balance. Where there is more stress the osteoblasts become more active and strengthen the bone, where there is less stress the osteoclasts become more active and weaken the bone. Normally gravity and movement provide these stresses needed to keep the bones healthy.
However in the low gravity environment of space, the stresses are insufficient and imbalance results with the osteoclasts becoming more active and the bones become unhealthily weak.
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoThe reason why astronauts have reduced skeletons is quite simple actually. The weightless environment in space that astronauts live and work in causes a loss of muscle and bone mass.
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In china what are astronauts called?
Chinese astronauts are known as Taikonauts.
When was The Ragged Astronauts created?
The Ragged Astronauts was created in 1986.
What careers did early astronauts have before they were astronauts?
Almost all of the early astronauts were military (and some civilian) test pilots.
Is this statement true or false-one skeleton times one skeleton equals one skeleton?
It equals one skeleton squared.
When was Astronauts for Hire created?
Astronauts for Hire was created on 2010-04-12.
Why skeleton of astronauts turn red in space?
I don't think that they do. However astronauts skeleton's do tend to lose some of their calcium while in space. This is because the lack of gravity means that the skeleton is not stressed. To try and prevent this calcium loss astronauts try and exercise hard (to stress the bones) if they are in space for a long period.
Do squid have an exo- skeleton?
No. Squid have a vestigial, or highly reduced, internal feather-shaped shell called a "pen".
Why do you think teachers are selected as astronauts?
Because teachers can be in the astronauts and they learned about astronauts and they went to the astronauts team.
What's the definition of Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by increased porosity of the skeleton resulting from reduced bone mass. The associated structural changes predispose the bone to fracture.
Why were the Apollo astronauts able to take a giant leap on the moon?
The phrase was a metaphor for Mankind's technical progress, but the astronaut's gait on the Moon's surface was slightly jumpy due to their reduced weight.
Can women be astronauts?
yes womens can be astronauts...
What do Astronauts do on space station?
The astronauts can float in the
What is a mutant skeleton?
A mutant skeleton is a malformed skeleton.
What is skeleton systems?
skeleton system is a system about the skeleton.
What astronauts were involved in the Gemini Program?
4 astronauts
What can astronauts do on the space station?
The astronauts can float in the
Where does the astronauts get there spacesuits from?
The spacesuits of the astronauts are given by N.A.S.A.
