Which term means bone cells?

Which term means bone cells?

• A. Osteoblast
• B. Ossification
• C. Osteocyte
• D. Leukocyte

Answer: (C)

Osteocytes are the bone cells. They are mature cells embedded within the mineralized bone matrix, residing in small pockets called lacunae and connected by tiny channels called canaliculi to communicate with other bone cells. This positioning lets them monitor and regulate the bone tissue, coordinating maintenance and mineral balance as the bone experiences stress or remodeling. They originate from osteoblasts, which are the cells that synthesize and lay down new bone; once surrounded by matrix, osteoblasts become osteocytes. Ossification is the process of bone formation, not a cell type, and leukocytes are white blood cells involved in the immune system. So, the term meaning bone cells is osteocytes.

Osteocytes are the bone cells. They are mature cells embedded within the mineralized bone matrix, residing in small pockets called lacunae and connected by tiny channels called canaliculi to communicate with other bone cells. This positioning lets them monitor and regulate the bone tissue, coordinating maintenance and mineral balance as the bone experiences stress or remodeling. They originate from osteoblasts, which are the cells that synthesize and lay down new bone; once surrounded by matrix, osteoblasts become osteocytes. Ossification is the process of bone formation, not a cell type, and leukocytes are white blood cells involved in the immune system. So, the term meaning bone cells is osteocytes.