Bone Cells

Osteoprogenitor

Cell produced by the mesenchyme and is located in the periosteum and endosteum. It divides to produce a stem cell and a committed cell that can mature into an osteoblast

Osteoblast

Forms from osteoprogenator cells and is found on bone surfaces. It synthesizes and secretes osteoid which is the organic bone matrix. Osteoid will then calcify which traps osteoblasts where they become osteocytes

Osteocyte

A mature bone cell derived from osteoblasts and is found in the lacunae. These cells maintain the bone matrix and detect mechanical stress. They also trigger new bone formation.

Osteoclast

Large multinucleated cell derived from fused bone marrow cells, found in resorption lacunae. These cells break down bone matrix during resorption using enzymes and hydrochloric acid