If osteocytes within bone experience reduced mechanical loading due to prolonged bed rest, which consequence follows concerning bone density?

💡 Explanation

Reduced mechanical loading causes increased osteoclast activity via decreased osteocyte signaling, which leads to bone resorption through RANKL pathway activation. Bone density decreases because of the elevated resorption; therefore, overall bone mass is reduced rather than remaining constant or favoring increased deposition.

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