Medical Terminology

Bone Cells

Bone substance, the multiphasic composite material that is living tissue, in reality is composed of cells, matrix and mineral and growth factors. The interrelationship of these components provides structural stability and a ready source of calcium for the organism.

Bone cells, and in particular osteoblasts, produce matrix proteins that are vital for skeletal integrity. In addition, these cells also secrete several growth factors that are stored within the skeletal matrix, and are released during the resorption phase of modelling and remodelling of the bone.

Osteoclasts are giant cells that arise from bone marrow. Their principal function is resorption of the bone. The mature osteoclasts are equipped with several enzymes necessary for digestion of protein matrix.

Osteocytes are mature osteoblasts that have become embedded in the bone matrix. Osteocytes are the most abundant cells in the bone. Buried deep inside the bone, they communicate with the surface cells through an extensive network of minute projections within the bone matrix [1].

References:
1. The Physical Measurement of Bone (Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering). C.M. Langton and C.F. Njeh