Caption

Osteoporosis. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a bone (mauve & white) in osteoporosis, or brittle bone disease. Bone marrow is coloured brown. The bone has a large number of air spaces which decrease its density. Osteoporosis is the loss of the protein matrix from bone causing it to become brittle and more liable to fracture. The condition is seen most commonly in the thigh and back bones of post- menopausal women, where it is associated with reduced oestrogen hormone production. Magnification unknown.