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Musculoskeletal-Endocrine Unit

Meaning

The Musculoskeletal-Endocrine Unit is a conceptual framework recognizing the integrated, bidirectional signaling axis between the skeletal and muscular systems and the classical endocrine glands. This paradigm shifts the view of bone and muscle from passive structural and motor tissues to active endocrine organs that secrete hormones, or myokines and osteokines, which influence whole-body metabolism and hormone function. This interconnected unit is essential for maintaining systemic homeostasis, particularly in aging, where its dysfunction contributes to sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Understanding this unit is key to developing integrated longevity and wellness strategies.