2006-12-10 04:51:10 · 4 answers · asked by datfreshness 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The lack of gravity removes load stresses on the skeletal structure, and the body simply reacts by reducing the excess skeletal mass since is not needed. When I had a cast on my leg after surgery, my calf muscle atrophied somewhat since it was not used, and took over a year to regain strength.
2006-12-10 04:59:35 · answer #1 · answered by badabingbob 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bones remodel and strengthen under stress. Since astronauts are under zero gravity, there is no weight on the bones to keep them strong.
2006-12-10 05:00:24 · answer #2 · answered by Annie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's something about the effects of a weightless environment that leeches calcium out of the bones.
2006-12-10 05:01:03 · answer #3 · answered by Paulie D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you dont use it you lose it
2006-12-10 04:58:13 · answer #4 · answered by adidasfan90210 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋