Anatomy & Physiology Musculoskeletal #7

Question

Which bone cell is the building block for bone development?

Answers

1. Osteoclasts

   • Osteoclasts break down bone and reabsorb it so that the bones can renew with remodeling and repair. This process maintains not only bone integrity but bone strength as well.

2. Osteoblasts

   • Osteoblasts build remodeled bones by producing new collagen and building new bone minerals. This is essential for the osteocytes remaining healthy and in proper functioning condition.

3. Osteocytes

   • The cells that are the building blocks of the bone are referred to as osteocytes. Osteocytes form the inner matrix of bone tissue that provide bones with their strength.

4. Stem cells

   • Stem cells (i.e., osteogenic cells) form in the inner surface of the bone. They are formally defined as immature osteoblasts that will later transform into mature osteoblasts.

Overview

There are various types of bone cells that comprise the bones that make up the skeletal system.

Learning Outcomes

The various kinds of cells that make up bone are: lining cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes, and stem (i.e., osteogenic) cells. Osteocytes are defined as osteoblasts that have become trapped within the bone matrix. They are responsible for many of the activities that keep the bones healthy and are often referred to as the building blocks for bone development.

Test Taking Tip

Consider the function for each bone cell to correctly answer this question.