What term refers to the loss of calcium from bones?

The term that refers to the loss of calcium from bones is decalcification. This process indicates a reduction in mineral content, particularly calcium, within the bone structure, which can lead to weakened bones and increased susceptibility to fractures. Decalcification is a significant concern in various medical conditions and can result from factors such as aging, hormonal changes, or certain metabolic disorders.

In contrast, osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone density and quality, which often results from long-term decalcification but is defined more broadly as a disease of overall bone health rather than just calcium loss. Dehydration relates to a deficit of water in the body and does not directly impact calcium levels in bones, while osteomalacia refers specifically to a softening of the bones due to a deficiency of vitamin D or problems with calcium metabolism but is not solely about calcium loss. This distinction clarifies why decalcification is the most precise term for the loss of calcium from bones.