What principle explains that bones grow or remodel in response to physical stress placed on them?

Wolff's Law is the principle that articulates how bone adapts to the mechanical load it bears. This law states that bone in a healthy person or animal will adapt to the loads under which it is placed. When a bone experiences increased stress from physical activity, it responds by increasing its density and strength in those areas, optimizing its structure to withstand future forces. This remodeling process helps to prevent fractures and enhances overall bone health.

In contrast, if a bone is underused or subjected to decreased physical stress, it may become less dense and weaker over time, demonstrating the dynamic nature of bone tissue. This principle highlights the importance of weight-bearing exercises and physical activity in maintaining bone health, especially during developmental years and as part of injury recovery protocols.