Definition
noun, plural: osteomalacias
The softening of bones due to defective bone mineralization.
Supplement
This condition results from a deficiency in vitamin D or calcium, and mostly occurs in adult women. It is usually accompanied by pain, tenderness, muscular weakness, and anorexia. In children, this condition is known as rickets. Because of this, osteomalacia is often associated with adults.
Word origin: osteo refers to bone, and malacia means softness.
Related forms: osteomalacial, osteomalacic (adjective).
Also called: malacosteon (obsolete).
Compare: osteopetrosis.
See also: osteoporosis.
Dictionary > Osteomalacia
You will also like...

Circulation
The circulatory system is key to the transport of vital biomolecules and nutrients throughout the body. Learn about the ..

Chromosomes X and Y and Sex Determination
This tutorial looks at sex determination via the sex chromosomes, X and Y. Read it to get more info on X and Y chromosom..

Animal Water Regulation
Animals adapt to their environment in aspects of anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This tutorial will help you understa..

The Hominids
The hominid family diversified from the apes around 6 to 8 million years ago. Since then, the evolutionary path has prov..

Freshwater Communities & Plankton
Planktons are microscopic organisms that live suspended in aquatic habitats. There are two groups: the phytoplanktons an..

Human Reproduction
Humans are capable of only one mode of reproduction, i.e. sexual reproduction. Haploid sex cells (gametes) are produced ..