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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2015 Dec 15.
Published in final edited form as: Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2014 Aug 29;0:119–134. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2014.08.009

Figure 1. Schematic representation of the ‘mechanostat’ [16].

Figure 1

Steady-state remodeling occurs continuously within a target, non-zero strain range. Increased mechanical stimulus (e.g. exercise, reduced bone mass) increases the local strain environment and promotes osteogenesis, which then brings the local strain stimulus down to steady-state. Conversely, reduced mechanical stimulus (e.g. bed rest, microgravity) decreases the local strain environment and results in osteolysis, which then brings the local strain stimulus up to steady-state. Systemic effects, such as disease state, will alter the efficacy of the feedback loop to optimize mechanical integrity of the skeleton. Adapted from Lanyon BoneKey 2009.