Question

How would the musculoskeletal system of humans adapt to a low gravity environment? Include the following parts of the musculoskeletal system in your answer: Bone length, Bone diameter, Bone density.

Answer 1

In the microgravity environment some of the processes and functions of bones changes. The amount of weight that bones must support is almost reduced to zero. At the same time, the bones that aid in movement are no more exposed to the same amount of stress. The following changes occur in the microgravity environment:

i) The normal calcium stored in the bones is broken down (osteoporosis) and released into blood that leads to decrease in the density of bones and increased level of calcium in blood.

ii) Disuse osteoporosis makes the bones more fragile and the diameter of bone decreases.

The exact mechanism of bone loss in micro gravity is still unknown, however scientist believe that microgravity causes bone to break down at a faster as compared to the building up of bone.