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Bone Mineral Density Accrual

Meaning

Bone mineral density accrual represents the physiological process of increasing the mass of mineral per unit volume of bone tissue over time, primarily occurring throughout childhood, adolescence, and culminating in early adulthood. This accumulation of bone mineral is crucial for establishing peak bone mass, which serves as a major determinant of skeletal strength and the risk of fragility fractures later in life. The process is governed by a dynamic, finely tuned balance between bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. Optimal accrual is a public health priority for preventing osteoporosis.