What is the special features of bone cells?
1. Osteocytes
- Most abundant bone cells
- Embedded within the mineralized matrix
- Maintain bone tissue and respond to mechanical stress
2. Osteoblasts
- Bone-forming cells
- Synthesize and secrete collagen, which is the main protein component of bone
- Regulate mineralization of the bone matrix
3. Osteoclasts
- Multinucleated giant cells
- Break down and resorb bone tissue
- Involved in bone remodeling and repair
4. Bone lining cells
- Flattened cells that cover the surfaces of bone
- Protect bone from resorption
- May differentiate into osteoblasts or osteocytes
5. Endosteal cells
- Line the inner surface of bone
- Regulate bone formation and resorption
- Provide a source of osteoblasts
6. Periosteal cells
- Cover the outer surface of bone
- Regulate bone growth and repair
- Provide a source of osteoblasts