[Bone metabolism: molecular mechanisms].

In order to accommodate individual load, the skeletal system is in a continual state of change. Bone metabolism guarantees optimal bone structure. The osteoblasts are responsible for the synthesis and the osteoclasts for resorption of the bone. A finely adjusted interplay between molecular mechanisms leads, via cytokines, hormones and growth factors, to an homeostasis in bone metabolism. Disturbances of this process lead via increased bone resorption to osteoporosis, and via increased synthesis to osteopetrosis. This contribution describes the known molecular mechanisms in this remodelling process.