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Question #47387
The Question
A 68-year-old post-menopausal woman presents with a progressive loss of height and a hunched posture (kyphosis). Radiography of her axial skeleton reveals significant structural changes. Based on NCERT principles of skeletal disorders, which of the following best explains the primary pathogenesis responsible for her loss of height?
Options
- A.
Her height loss is due to the erosion of articular cartilage between the vertebrae, a hallmark of age-related osteoarthritis.
- B.
Her height loss results from micro-architectural deterioration and decreased bone mass in the vertebrae, primarily driven by estrogen deficiency.
- C.
Her condition is caused by the autoimmune destruction of the synovial membranes within the 80 bones of the axial skeleton.
- D.
Her condition is a result of uric acid crystal accumulation in the intervertebral discs, leading to joint space narrowing.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Osteoporosis vs. Arthritis|Axial Skeleton Count|Calcium Homeostasis
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Differentiating the physical vs. functional anatomy of skeletal disorders.
Students often conflate 'joint space narrowing' (Arthritis) with 'vertebral bone mass loss' (Osteoporosis) as causes for age-related height reduction.
The trap lies in distinguishing between articular cartilage degradation and trabecular bone deterioration in the axial skeleton.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Locomotion and Movement - Class 11 |
| Concept | Axial Skeleton Count |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |