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Density

Density is a measure of how compact and solid an object (like bone) is compared to its size. An object with high density is heavy and usually strong for its size; an object with low density is lighter and usually unable to bear much weight.

For example, osteoporosis causes the internal structure of bones to become less compact, or to have lower density. This makes bones more porous and weaker than normal, healthy bones.

Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
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