Bone Cells Flashcards
What are the four main types of bone cells?
Osteogenic cells, Osteoblasts, Osteocytes, and Osteoclasts.
What is the function of osteoblasts?
Osteoblasts are responsible for forming new bone by secreting collagen and calcium salts.
Where are osteoblasts located?
In the periosteum and endosteum of growing bones.
What do osteoblasts turn into when they become trapped in the bone matrix?
Osteocytes, which are mature bone cells
What is the function of osteocytes?
They maintain the mineral concentration of the bone matrix and communicate with other bone cells.
Where are osteocytes found?
Lacunae, small spaces within the bone matrix.
What is the only type of bone cell that can divide?
Osteogenic cells, which develop into osteoblasts.
Where are osteogenic cells found?
In the deep layers of the periosteum and marrow.
What is the function of osteoclasts?
Osteoclasts break down bone for resorption and calcium release.
Where do osteoclasts originate from?
Monocytes and macrophages, not from osteogenic cells.
Why is collagen important in bone?
It gives bone flexibility, preventing brittleness.
What mineral component makes bones hard and strong?
Hydroxyapatite, which is made of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate.
What is bone remodeling?
The continuous process of osteoblasts forming new bone and osteoclasts breaking down bone.
What happens if osteoclast activity is too high?
Excess bone breakdown can lead to weak bones and conditions like osteoporosis.
What happens if osteoblast activity is too high?
Excess bone formation can lead to excessively dense bones, which may become brittle.
