Cells of the Bone

Bone cells are made up of four types of cells:

Osteoblasts

They form 4-6 % of are present on a bone surface. They have cuboidal shape. They are considered to have originated from mesenchymal cells i.e. pluripotent bone marrow cells. Osteoblasts form a new bone structure and also facilitate calcium and collagen deposition at the new bone surface. The cell to cell communication by association of osteoblasts to messenger system and arrangement at the bone surface area has a role in bone remodelling.

Osteoclasts

They are large multinucleated phagocytic cells. Osteoclasts are formed in hematopoietic stem cells and migrate to specific skeletal sites. They have a role in bone resorption in other words dissolving the bone which results in bone remodelling. Abnormal increase in osteoclasts lead to some bone diseases such as osteoporosis decreasing bone density and increasing chances of bone fracture.

Osteocytes

Osteocytes are entrapped osteoblasts. There are about 25,000 osteocytes per mm3 of bone forming 95% of total bone cell volume. They have an important function in the bone remodelling cycle. By sensing the pressure and cracks in the bone structure, they direct osteoclasts to dissolve the bone thus filling the gaps within the cracks.

Osteogenic Cell

Osteogenic cells, also known as osteoprogenitor cells, are a type of mesenchymal stem cell found in bone tissue. Osteogenic cells are located in the inner layer of the periosteum and the endosteum. These cells are responsible for the formation of new bone tissue through a process called osteogenesis.

Types of Bones

Bone Anatomy – Functions, and Types

Bones are essential organs of the skeletal system in vertebrates, providing structural support and protection to internal organs. They also facilitate movement, blood cell production, and mineral storage. Bones in the human body are made of bone tissue, cartilage, marrow, blood vessels, and nerves.

Each bone has a specific function and shape. Bone growth and remodeling occur throughout life. These processes are regulated by ossification and bone resorption. Let us discuss bones, their structure, function, and more in detail.

Table of Content

  • What is Bone?
  • Morphology and Structure of Bones in Human Body
  • Cells of the Bone
  • Types of Bones
  • Functions of Bones
  • What is Bone Resorption and Bone Remodelling

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What is Bone?

The bone is a rigid structure formed of an organic part i.e. connective tissue made up of collagen fibrils and an inorganic part i.e. hydroxyapatite and a very small amount of water. The bone has different structural parts such as compact bone tissue, spongy bone tissue, bone marrow, epiphyseal line, and network of blood vessels....

Morphology and Structure of Bones in Human Body

Typically, a bone has the following structure:...

Cells of the Bone

Bone cells are made up of four types of cells:...

Types of Bones

There are five major types of bones as below:...

Functions of Bones

Bones perform various metabolic, synthetic, and mechanical functions essential for overall health and body function. Functions of bones in human body are explained below:...

What is Bone Resorption and Bone Remodelling

Bone architecture constantly changes based on age, injury, mechanical damages caused due to strain and stress on the body. This continuous process of bone formation and replacing damaged parts by adding new cells is called bone remodelling. Rate and speed of bone remodelling is faster in children of young age and in adults. It slows down with increasing age in older individuals....

Conclusion – Bone Anatomy – Functions and Types

The bone is made up of various cell types viz. Osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes and bone lining cells. Each type of bone cell has a specific role in bone formation, damage repair, allowing cell to cell communication, and Calcium mineral deposition. Bones are constantly changing. This process is called Bone remodelling. The factors influencing these changes are age, sex, pressure, stress and strain on bones. The physiology of the body also contributes to changes in bone architecture. The key role in bone remodelling is played by bone cells, Vitamin D, and parathyroid hormones....

FAQs on Bone Anatomy – Functions and Types

How many Bones are Present in the Human Body?...

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