**Core Concept:** Occlusal forces are the mechanical forces exerted on the teeth during mastication, which can influence the bone remodeling process in the jaw. Cancellous bone, also known as trabecular bone, makes up the inner portion of the jawbone and is responsible for its supporting structure. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts are key cells involved in bone remodeling.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** When occlusal forces are increased, they lead to increased mechanical stress on the cancellous bone trabeculae. This stress stimulates osteoclast activity, which in turn promotes the activation of osteoblasts. Osteoblasts are responsible for bone formation, while osteoclasts are responsible for bone resorption. The balance between osteoclast and osteoblast activity determines bone mass and density. In response to increased mechanical stress (occlusal forces), the body increases osteoblast activity to counteract the increased bone resorption by osteoclasts, thus maintaining the balance and preventing bone loss.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. This option is incorrect because increased mechanical stress on the cancellous bone trabeculae does not lead to bone resorption. Instead, it stimulates both osteoclast and osteoblast activity, maintaining the balance between bone formation and resorption.

B. This option is incorrect because mechanical stress on the trabeculae does not result in bone growth. The correct response involves increased osteoblast activity to counteract the resorption caused by stimulated osteoclasts.

C. This option is incorrect because the increased mechanical stress on the cancellous bone trabeculae does not lead to bone resorption. As explained before, increased stress stimulates both osteoclast and osteoblast activity, preserving the balance between bone formation and resorption.

D. This option is incorrect because the increased mechanical stress on the cancellous bone trabeculae does not cause bone resorption. Instead, it stimulates both osteoclast and osteoblast activity, maintaining the balance between bone formation and resorption.

**Clinical Pearl:** The body's response to increased mechanical stress on the cancellous bone trabeculae is crucial in maintaining bone health. This response helps prevent bone loss and maintains the balance between bone formation and resorption. Understanding this concept is essential for understanding various bone diseases and treatments targeting bone remodeling.