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Related Concept Videos

Bone Cells and Tissue01:30

Bone Cells and Tissue

Bones contain a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of organic and inorganic components. Although bone cells compose only a small amount of the bone volume, they are crucial to its function. Four types of cells are found within the bone tissue— osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteogenic cells, and osteoclasts.
Osteoblasts and Osteocytes
The osteoblast is the bone cell responsible for forming new bone tissue. It is found in the growing portions of bone, including the periosteum and...
Compact Bone01:27

Compact Bone

Most bones contain compact and spongy osseous tissue, but their distribution and concentration vary based on the bone's overall function.
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
Bone Remodeling01:40

Bone Remodeling

Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
The Bone Matrix01:18

The Bone Matrix

Bone contains a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of collagen fibers that provide an adherent surface for inorganic salt crystals. Both components of the matrix, organic and inorganic, contribute to the unusual properties of bone. Without collagen, bones would be brittle and shatter easily. Without mineral crystals, bones would flex and provide little support. This can be observed by an experiment: when the minerals of a bone are dissolved by soaking the bone in acid or...
Bone Structure01:55

Bone Structure

Within the skeletal system, the structure of a bone, or osseous tissue, can be exemplified in a long bone, like the femur, where there are two types of osseous tissue: cortical and cancellous.
Spongy Bone01:09

Spongy Bone

All bones comprise an outer layer of compact bone, and an interior made up of spongy bone tissue, also called cancellous or trabecular bone. In long bones, spongy bone tissue is mainly found in the interior of the epiphyses (broad ends of the bone).
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...

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Osteocyte: the unrecognized side of bone tissue.

G Y Rochefort1, S Pallu, C L Benhamou

  • 1INSERM Research Unit 658, Centre Hospitalier Régional, 1 rue Porte Madeleine, 45 032 Orleans, France. gael.rochefort@gmail.com

Osteoporosis International : a Journal Established As Result of Cooperation Between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA
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Area of Science:

  • Bone Biology
  • Cellular Mechanics
  • Skeletal Physiology

Background:

  • Osteocytes constitute 95% of bone cells, originating from osteoblasts and residing within the bone matrix.
  • They possess a dendritic network (canalicular system) facilitating communication with the bone surface and expressing key biomarkers.
  • Osteocytes are critical mechanosensors, responding to strain frequency, intensity, and duration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of osteocytes in bone mechanotransduction and remodeling.
  • To investigate the signaling pathways initiated by mechanical stimuli in osteocytes.
  • To explore the contribution of osteocyte apoptosis to bone remodeling and its regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of osteocyte mechanosensing capabilities.
  • Investigation of intracellular signaling cascades (e.g., NO, PGE(2), Wnt/beta-catenin).
  • Examination of the effects of micro-damage and apoptosis on bone remodeling.

Main Results:

  • Mechanical strain triggers intracellular cascades, including NO and PGE(2) release, influencing Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.
  • Osteocyte communication via the canalicular network directs osteoblast and osteoclast activity for bone remodeling.
  • Osteocyte apoptosis, induced by micro-cracks or hormonal changes, also signals for bone remodeling.

Conclusions:

  • Osteocytes are central to bone's response to mechanical load and play a vital role in regulating bone remodeling.
  • Osteocyte apoptosis is a significant pathway for initiating bone repair and adaptation.
  • Osteocyte-derived factors (sclerostin, DKK1) are potential therapeutic targets for bone diseases.