What is the Difference Between Bone Mass and Bone Density?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Bone mass and bone density are related but distinct concepts in the context of bone health. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Bone Mass: Bone mass refers to the amount of bone tissue in an individual's body, which is determined largely by genetics. It is a function of bone size and volumetric bone mineral density (BMD). A person with low bone mass has low bone density, and vice versa.
- Bone Density: Bone density, also known as bone mineral density (BMD), is the amount of bone mineral in an individual's bones. It is a key determinant of bone strength. A bone density test, also known as a bone mass measurement or bone mineral density test, measures the strength and density of bones.
In summary, bone mass is the total amount of bone tissue in a person's body, while bone density is a measure of the amount of bone mineral within the bones. Both are important factors in assessing bone health and determining the risk of fractures or other bone-related issues.
Comparative Table: Bone Mass vs Bone Density
Bone mass and bone density are related but distinct concepts in understanding bone health. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:
Bone Mass | Bone Density |
---|---|
Refers to the total amount of bone tissue in the body | Refers to the amount of bone mineral per unit area or volume of bone tissue |
Includes both cortical (outer shell) and trabecular (spongy inner layer) bone | Considers the mineral content within the bone tissue |
Measured in grams or kilograms | Measured in mg/cm² or g/cm³ |
Assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) | May be assessed using DXA or high-resolution computed tomography (CT) |
May not capture the difference between trabecular and cortical bone, as DXA provides areal measurements (2-dimensional) | Captures the difference between trabecular and cortical bone, as pQCT and high-resolution CT provide volumetric measurements (3-dimensional) |
Bone mass refers to the total amount of bone tissue in the body, which is made up of both cortical (outer shell) and trabecular (spongy inner layer) bone. Bone density, on the other hand, refers to the amount of bone mineral per unit area or volume of bone tissue. Bone density testing is typically performed using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or, in some cases, high-resolution computed tomography (CT).
While bone mass and bone density are interconnected, they are affected by different factors. Bone mass is influenced by genetic, lifestyle, and nutritional factors, while bone density is often assessed to determine if a person has low bone density (osteopenia) or osteoporosis. A bone density (BMD) test score, known as the T-score, compares a person's bone density to the bone density of an average healthy 30-year-old adult. A T-score of 0 indicates that the person's bone density does not deviate from the average, while positive or negative values indicate that the bone density is above or below the average, respectively.
- Mass vs Density
- Density vs Bulk Density
- Density vs Weight
- Relative Density vs Density
- Volume vs Density
- Bone vs Cartilage
- Osteopenia vs Osteoporosis
- Mass vs Weight
- Mass vs Weight
- Body Mass vs Body Weight
- Mass Density vs Optical Density
- Compact Bone vs Spongy Bone
- Density vs Specific Gravity
- Cancellous vs Cortical Bone
- Bulk Density vs Specific Gravity
- Mass vs Molar Mass
- Mass vs Volume
- Compact vs Cancellous Bone
- Mass vs Matter