Soft tissue composition and bone mineral status: evaluation by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 8, 2026

Proximal Cadaveric Femur Preparation for Fracture Strength Testing and Quantitative CT-based Finite Element Analysis
Published on: March 11, 2017
1Agricultural Research Service, Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, ND 58202.
Abstract:
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a new method for assessing whole-body and regional bone, fat and fat-free mineral-free soft tissue masses. X-rays at two discrete energy levels are collimated and directed into the body. The attenuation of the X-rays by the various chemical components in the body permits determination of important compositional variables. The precision and accuracy of the DXA measurements of bone mineral content and density are 99% and < 1% error, respectively. The reproducibility of the determinations of soft tissue composition is approximately 99%. Because the radiation dose associated with the X-ray exposure is low, DXA is a safe method for routine use in humans. Various applications are described, including an assessment of bone mineral status and body composition in adults and infants. This method is appealing for nutritional studies because it directly determines the composition of bone and of the body.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Remodeling
X-ray Imaging
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...

