> Thanks Mike, That was my limited understanding. I have to go right now but
> will do some more research later. Paula
>
> > >BTW Fosamax does not build bone at all. It stops the osteoclasts from
> doing
> > >their job of taking away deteriorated bone, thus deteriorated bone is
> left
> > >in the matrix.
> > >Paula
> >
> > It is my understanding that the role of osteoclasts is to break down
> > bone itself.  One of the mechanisms by which parathyroid hormone
> > raises blood calcium is by stimulating osteoclasts.  Also, calcitonin
> > has its effect of lowering blood calcium by inhibiting osteoclastic
> > activity.  Is this not correct?  It is not my understanding that
> > osteoclasts clean up the debris after the bone has already been
> > broken down.
> >
> > Mike

Here is an article with comment by Dr. Mercola. But I don't know if this a
simplified explanation. I will check some more.
http://www.mercola.com/2003/jun/7/boniva.htm