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Related Concept Videos

Bone Cells and Tissue01:30

Bone Cells and Tissue

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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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Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling01:31

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Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during...
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Bone Remodeling01:40

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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.
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The Bone Matrix01:18

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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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Compact Bone01:27

Compact Bone

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Most bones contain compact and spongy osseous tissue, but their distribution and concentration vary based on the bone's overall function.
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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.
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Analysis and Imaging of Osteocytes
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Analysis and Imaging of Osteocytes

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The Osteocyte: New Insights.

Alexander G Robling1, Lynda F Bonewald1

  • 1Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA;

Annual Review of Physiology
|February 11, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Osteocytes, ancient bone cells, are crucial for bone remodeling and mechanical sensing. These understudied cells also act as endocrine regulators, influencing kidney, pancreas, and muscle function.

Keywords:
FGF23RANKLmechanosensationosteocytesperilacunar remodelingsclerostin

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Area of Science:

  • Bone Biology
  • Cellular Endocrinology
  • Skeletal Physiology

Background:

  • Osteocytes are abundant, yet understudied cells within bone tissue.
  • They possess unique mechanisms for extracellular matrix remodeling, distinct from osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
  • These cells play a vital role in skeletal health and systemic physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the multifaceted roles of osteocytes in bone biology and beyond.
  • To emphasize their importance as regulators of bone remodeling and mechanical adaptation.
  • To underscore their function as endocrine cells influencing systemic metabolism and function.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on osteocyte biology.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways involving osteocytes (e.g., RankL/OPG, Sost/Dkk1/Wnt).
  • Examination of osteocyte's role in mechanotransduction and endocrine functions.

Main Results:

  • Osteocytes actively remodel bone matrix independently of osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
  • They communicate with bone-forming and bone-resorbing cells through specific molecular axes.
  • Osteocytes function as endocrine cells, regulating kidney phosphate reabsorption, pancreatic insulin secretion, and skeletal muscle function.
  • These cells are critical mechanosensors, adjusting bone structure in response to mechanical loads.

Conclusions:

  • Osteocytes are central regulators of bone homeostasis and adaptation.
  • Their endocrine functions extend their influence to systemic metabolic processes.
  • Further research into osteocyte biology is essential for understanding skeletal health and disease.
  • Targeting osteocyte pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies for metabolic and bone disorders.