- See:
-
osteoblasts
-
osteoclasts
- Discussion:
- osteocyte is mentioned as possibly having resorptive capabilities;
- it is the most numerous type of bone cell and is derived from an
osteoblasts that is not longer synthesizing
collagen;
-
osteocytes were once considered to be dormant, metabolically inactive cells;
- this is now evidence that they can synthesize
collagen,
control bone
mineralization within their lacunae, and
possibly carry out bone resorption;
- when exposed to parathyroid hormone, osteocytes can secrete enzymes which
begin to disolve the osteoid;
- in certain disease states, such as
hyperparathyroidism,
Pagets disease,
or disuse
osteoporosis, osteocytes may be involved in the excessive bone
resorption;
