Bone is an adaptive material, which is particularly responsive to mechanical loading and can adapt its mass and structure to meet the mechanical demands experienced throughout life. The osteocyte, due to its ubiquitous presence throughout bone, is believed to act as the main sensor of mechanical stimulus in bone, recruiting other cells to control bone growth and resorption in response to changes in physiological demands. However the precise mechanical stimuli that osteocytes experience in vivo, and what type of stimulus instigates an adaptive response, are not fully understood.

This content is only available via PDF.
You do not currently have access to this content.