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Related Concept Videos

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 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...
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Loose connective tissue is found between many organs. Its main function is to absorb shock and bind tissues together. It also allows water, salts, and various nutrients to diffuse into cells that are embedded in it or present in adjacent tissues.
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Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that can differentiate into most connective tissue cell types, except for hematopoietic cells, depending upon the source of MSCs. For example, bone-marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) can differentiate into osteocytes, hepatocytes, and pancreatic and neuronal cells. MSCs can be isolated from various sources such as bone marrow, placenta, adipose tissue, teeth, and Wharton’s jelly, a gelatinous substance in the umbilical cord. The ease of their...
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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.
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Bone formation, or ossification, begins around the sixth to seventh week of embryonic development. Most bones develop from a cartilaginous template through the process of endochondral ossification. Cartilage formation begins when clusters of mesenchymal cells differentiate into chondrocytes. These chondrocytes proliferate rapidly and secrete an extracellular matrix that becomes encased in a membrane called the perichondrium. The resulting cartilage model provides a template that resembles the...
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Dual Effects of Melanoma Cell-derived Factors on Bone Marrow Adipocytes Differentiation
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Marrow Adipocytes: Origin, Structure, and Function.

Francisco J A de Paula1, Clifford J Rosen2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil;

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Marrow adipocytes, crucial for whole-body health, store energy and signal to other cells. Understanding these versatile bone marrow cells offers potential treatments for metabolic and age-related diseases.

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Area of Science:

  • Bone Biology and Metabolism
  • Adipocyte Biology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • The skeleton contains diverse lineage cells vital for maintaining whole-body homeostasis.
  • Marrow adipocytes, originating early in postnatal life, progressively expand within the bone marrow.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the multifaceted roles of marrow adipocytes in skeletal and systemic physiology.
  • To investigate the signaling capabilities and potential therapeutic implications of marrow adipocytes.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of adipocyte progenitor cell migration.
  • Characterization of the marrow adipocyte secretome.
  • Investigation of paracrine and endocrine signaling pathways.

Main Results:

  • Marrow adipocytes influence bone marrow components via paracrine signaling in a hypoxic environment.
  • Adipocyte progenitors can migrate, particularly during weight gain.
  • Marrow adipocytes secrete adipokines and target distant tissues, including adipose depots, muscle, and the nervous system.

Conclusions:

  • Marrow adipocytes are versatile cells with significant roles in energy storage, signaling, and endocrine function.
  • Further research into marrow adipocyte biology may yield novel therapeutic strategies for metabolic and age-related disorders like osteoporosis and diabetes mellitus.