Question

During long space missions, astronauts can lose between 1-2% of their bone mass per month, due to the lack of mechanical stress that occurs in a low-gravity environment. If an astronaut is in space for 6 months, he/she could lose over 1/10 of their total bone mass. Explain what is occurring in an astronaut’s bones during his/her time in space

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Answer 1

The given statement is true

Astronauts losses bone mass when he spend more time in the space because in the space the gravitational force is zero. the astronaut moves by flotting in the space using the opposite thrust force. so, that the normal function of bone that mechanical support and weight bearing function are lossed this result in loss of mechanical stress in the bone.

Usuall in humans , bones are producing new bone tisue with the help of the bne producing cell called osteobast and at the sam time old bones are destroyed with the help of osteoclast cells.But in earth eth rate of bone production and destruction are almost same so there will be no change in the bone mass.

But in the space , there is no mechanical stress so that the bone production is decreased and bone destruction is increased comparing to the earth.

THis will reduces the Bone mass about 1 to 2 % per month. the maximum bone mass loss are seen in the 2nd month to 5th month .

This will reduces the strength of the person to stand and move.

This can be checked by monitoring the blood calcium level because , when the bone destroy the calcium stored in the bone are released to the blood stream .