California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA) Practice Test

What medical condition is characterized by the loss of calcium in the bones?

1. Osteoporosis

2. Osteoarthritis

3. Osteopenia

4. Osteomalacia

The correct answer is: Osteoporosis

The condition characterized by the loss of calcium in the bones is osteoporosis. This disease weakens bones, making them more fragile and susceptible to fractures. It occurs when there is an imbalance between the resorption of bone and the formation of new bone, leading to a reduction in bone density and structural integrity. Osteoporosis is particularly associated with aging and hormonal changes, especially in postmenopausal women when estrogen levels drop. The condition is often asymptomatic until a fracture occurs, which can happen with minimal trauma in cases of severe bone loss. While osteopenia also refers to lower than normal bone density, it is a milder form of bone density loss and does not necessarily indicate that significant calcium loss has occurred to the extent seen in osteoporosis. Osteomalacia is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, leading to the softening of bones due to inadequate mineralization, while osteoarthritis is primarily a joint disorder. Therefore, the defining characteristics of osteoporosis make it the most appropriate answer for the loss of calcium in the bones.