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Related Concept Videos

Bone Cells and Tissue01:30

Bone Cells and Tissue

8.0K
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...
8.0K
Bone as Supporting Connective Tissue01:23

Bone as Supporting Connective Tissue

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Bone tissue forms the internal skeleton of vertebrate animals, providing structure to the body.
Bone Matrix
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a connective tissue that has a large amount of two different types of matrix material. The organic matrix is similar to the matrix material found in other connective tissues, including some amount of collagen and elastic fibers. This gives strength and flexibility to the tissue. The inorganic matrix consists of mineral salts— mostly calcium salts—...
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The Functions of the Skeletal System01:22

The Functions of the Skeletal System

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The most apparent functions of the skeletal system are support, protection, and movement. However, bone tissue also performs several other critical metabolic functions. For one, the bone matrix acts as a reservoir for a number of minerals important to the functioning of the body, especially calcium and phosphorus. These minerals, present in the bone tissue, can be released back into the bloodstream when required. Calcium ions, for example, are essential for muscle contractions and controlling...
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Bone Structure01:55

Bone Structure

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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.
51.5K
Bone Remodeling01:40

Bone Remodeling

40.3K
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.
40.3K
Compact Bone01:27

Compact Bone

16.1K
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...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 18, 2026

A Human Bone Marrow 3D Model to Investigate the Dynamics and Interactions Between Resident Cells in Physiological or Tumoral Contexts
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A Human Bone Marrow 3D Model to Investigate the Dynamics and Interactions Between Resident Cells in Physiological or Tumoral Contexts

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The osteocyte: A multifunctional cell within the bone.

F G F Tresguerres1, J Torres1, J López-Quiles1

  • 1Dental Clinical Specialities Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.

Annals of Anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : Official Organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft
|September 30, 2019
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Osteocytes are now known to be active bone cells crucial for skeleton health. They regulate bone remodeling, mineral balance, and even have endocrine functions, impacting bone mass and phosphate metabolism.

Keywords:
Bone remodelingFGF-23OsteocyteSclerostin

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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Area of Science:

  • Bone Biology
  • Cellular Physiology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Osteocytes, once thought inactive, are now recognized as vital multifunctional bone cells.
  • Their roles extend beyond the bone microenvironment, influencing systemic physiology.
  • Recent decades have seen a significant shift in understanding osteocyte function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and update current knowledge on osteocyte biology.
  • To highlight osteocyte roles in bone remodeling and mineral homeostasis.
  • To discuss newly discovered endocrine functions and clinical applications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advancements in osteocyte research.
  • Synthesis of findings on osteocyte signaling pathways.
  • Analysis of clinical implications for bone-loss disorders.

Main Results:

  • Osteocytes actively regulate bone remodeling by influencing osteoblast and osteoclast activity.
  • They secrete sclerostin, a negative regulator of bone mass.
  • Osteocytes secrete FGF-23, a key endocrine factor for phosphate metabolism.
  • Osteocytes function as mechanosensors, converting mechanical strain into cellular signals.

Conclusions:

  • Osteocytes are indispensable for skeletal integrity and systemic mineral homeostasis.
  • Understanding osteocyte function opens new therapeutic avenues for bone diseases.
  • Targeting osteocyte-derived factors offers potential treatments for bone-loss disorders.