The infant of a family that has recently immigrated to the United States from South Asia has been diagnosed with rickets. Bone density scanning would yield which of the following characterizations of the infant's bones?
A) The child's bones are far softer than those of healthy children.
B) The infant has bones that are brittle and susceptible to breakage.
C) The child's bones lack bone matrix and prevent weight bearing.
D) The child's bones are oversized due to insufficient osteoclasts.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rickets is characterized by soft bones that are undermineralized. Bone matrix is not lacking, and the bones tend not to be brittle. Osteoclast deficiency does not underlie rickets.

The Infant of a Family That Has Recently Immigrated to the United