Published by Australian Academy of Science
Glossary | Pointing the bone at osteoporosis

dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. A technique for measuring bone density. X-rays at two wavelengths are transmitted through a patient. A detector system determines which wavelengths are absorbed by the body and, based on this, a computer calculates the bone calcium content.

hormone. A substance produced in one part of the body and carried by the blood to another part of the body where it causes a response (eg, insulin, produced by the pancreas, that promotes the uptake of glucose by body cells). For more information see The hormones of the human (Kimball's Biology Pages, USA) and The hormones (Center for Bioenvironmental Research, Tulane and Xavier Universities, USA).

oestrogen. A female sex hormone secreted by the ovaries.

Turner syndrome. A condition affecting females who have only one X chromosome instead of the usual two. Ovaries do not develop normally in females with Turner syndrome. More information can be found at Turner’s Syndrome Society of the United States.