Osteocytes

Osteocytes are a type of bone cell that make up a significant portion of the bone tissue. They are derived from osteoblasts, or bone-forming cells, and are essentially osteoblasts surrounded by bone matrix. Osteocytes have many processes that reach out to meet osteoblasts and other osteocytes probably for the purposes of communication.

Function

Osteocytes are crucial for bone remodeling. They are responsible for the detection of mechanical stress on the bone, and the subsequent signaling of osteoblasts and osteoclasts to carry out bone formation or resorption. Osteocytes also regulate phosphate metabolism by releasing fibroblast growth factor 23.

Structure

Osteocytes are located inside spaces called lacunae within the bone. They have long dendritic processes that they use to communicate with other osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts. These processes are contained within tiny canals called canaliculi.

Clinical significance

Osteocyte apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is thought to be a key factor in the development of osteoporosis. In addition, osteocyte dysfunction has been implicated in rare bone diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta and osteopetrosis.

See also

• Bone remodeling
• Osteoblast
• Osteoclast
• Osteoporosis
• Osteogenesis imperfecta
• Osteopetrosis

References

Osteocytes Resources
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