What condition is characterized by the abnormal loss of bony tissue resulting in fragile and porous bones?

Osteoporosis is characterized by the abnormal loss of bone tissue, leading to bones that become fragile and porous. This condition results from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation, where the body either loses too much bone or fails to make enough new bone. As a result, even minor falls or injuries can lead to fractures in individuals with osteoporosis. This condition is often associated with aging and can be influenced by factors such as hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and lack of physical activity.

Osteoporosis specifically impacts the overall density and structural integrity of bones, making this the correct response to the question regarding conditions that result in fragile, porous bones. The other conditions mentioned, such as arthritis and osteoarthritis, primarily affect joint inflammation and pain rather than the density of bone tissue itself. Rheumatism is a general term that can encompass various conditions affecting the joints and connective tissues but does not specifically refer to the loss of bony tissue characteristic of osteoporosis.