Other than marrow cells, there are three types of bone cells:
Osteoblasts
- Primary function is bone formation
- Produces osteoid
- Has basophilic cytoplasm
Osteocytes
- Star shaped cell
- Formed when an osteoblast becomes embedded in the matrix it has secreted
- Found in bone canaliculi
- Cellular processes used for exchange of nutrients and waste
Osteoclasts
- Large, multinucleated cells
- Responsible for bone erosion and bone resorption
- Found in small clusters on bone surfaces undergoing resorption
- Resorption refers to the loss of bone with the release of calcium from bone to blood
