![Osteoclasts travel over the surface of the bone matrix and secrete acids and enzymes to disintegrate it, forming a little bit on the surface of the bone.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/osteoblast-vs-osteoclast.jpg?output-quality=75)
In simple words, an osteoblast builds the bone, whereas an osteoclast eats up the bone so that it can be reshaped into a stronger and resilient load-bearing structure. Other differences are mentioned below.
Osteoblasts or lining cells: Osteoblasts are considered the main type of bone cells. They regulate the passage of calcium in and out of the bone, and they express a special type of protein on their membranes by responding to various hormones. These specialized proteins activate another type of cells called osteoclasts:
- The main function of osteoblasts in bone formation and maintaining bone tissue integrity and shape.
- The cells of osteoblasts are small and have only one nucleus. Their cell structure is comparatively less complicated (contains a lesser number of cell organelles).
- These cells help in making a protein called osteoid, which helps in forming and maintaining the structure of the bone.
- The cells in each osteoblast unit are linked to each other by tight junctions and gap junctions. Gap junctions are tiny pores that connect multiple cells such that they become one functional compartment.
- Osteoblasts also produce chemicals called prostaglandins and an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase enzyme. Osteoblasts also produce a compound called hydroxyapatite that makes the bone harder. The matrix material in which they deposit hydroxyapatite is collagen, a much softer material that is synthesized and secreted by osteoblasts.
- Osteoblasts operate in groups. Each group oversees building an osteon unit of the bone.
- The osteoblast group synthesizes densely cross-linked collagen fibrils plus several other proteins needed in the bone matrix.
- The cells also have receptors that express parathyroid hormone.
- Osteoblasts produce anti-swelling or anti-inflammatory cytokines that help in the bone healing process.
Osteoclasts: They are large cells produced by the fusion (joining) of several smaller ones. Osteoclasts travel over the surface of the bone matrix and secrete acids and enzymes to disintegrate it, forming a little bit on the surface of the bone. They are found on the surface of the bone mineral next to the dissolving bone. This increases the surface area for the absorption of minerals. The minerals (in their ionic form) are absorbed into the osteoclasts, which later releases them into the tissue fluid located between the cells. From there, the ions enter the blood. The process of bone breakdown and mineral uptake by the osteoclasts is known as resorption:
- The main function of osteoclasts is reabsorbing the bone.
- The cells of osteoblasts are large and have many nuclei within them. Their cell structure is comparatively more complex (contains more number of cell organelles).
- They produce more phosphatase enzyme and tartrate-resistant acid.
- They come from the bone marrow and are related to white blood cells. They are formed from two or more cells that fuse together. The cells of osteoclasts are equipped with engulfs bone fragments mechanism.
- Osteoclasts usually dissolve collagen enzymes. They secrete enzymes and acid that break apart the bone matrix.
What are osteocytes?
Osteocytes are cells inside the bone. As osteoblasts mature, they become osteocytes. Osteoblasts turn into osteocytes while the new bone is being formed, and the osteocytes then get surrounded by the new bone. Once osteoblasts turn into osteocytes, they express different proteins and settle themselves into life as active bone regulatory cells. Osteocytes are the most abundant cell type in the bone, and they live about 25 years. Osteocytes function as part of the regulatory network that controls the body’s calcium and phosphate homeostasis. Osteocytes affect bone remodeling by producing regulatory factors to influence the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in response to endocrine signals including the blood level of vitamin D. Osteocytes can sense pressures or cracks in the bone and help to direct where osteoclasts will dissolve the bone.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/quiz/human-body/human-body-s1.jpg)
QUESTION
What percentage of the human body is water? See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Top Osteoblast vs Osteoclast Related Articles
Bone Spurs
Bone spurs are pointy outgrowths of bone that develop in areas of inflammation or injury. Bone spurs commonly occur on the heel and spine and may be the result of reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tenderness. Treatment focuses on decreasing inflammation and avoiding re-injury.Broken Bone
A broken bone is a fracture. There are different types of fractures, such as:- compressed,
- open,
- stress,
- greenstick,
- spiral,
- vertebral compression,
- compound, and
- comminuted.
Symptoms of a broken bone include pain at the site of injury, swelling, and bruising around the area of injury. Treatment of a fracture depends on the type and location of the injury.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are a common type of injury. Bones are some of the hardest tissues in the body, but they can break when they are stressed. Osteoporosis and cancer may cause bone fractures. The broken bone needs immediate medical treatment.Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
How Can I Improve My Bone Health? 8 Lifestyle Tips
Bones are the substance that forms the skeleton of the body. They provide a rigid framework to your body and help you move around. Though maintaining bone health is vital in all ages of life, it becomes more of a concern in older people and postmenopausal women because of the increased risk of bone loss.How Painful Is Bone Marrow Donor Procedure?
This procedure takes place under general anaesthetic, so you won't feel any pain while it's happening.Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease)
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) or brittle bone disease, is an inherited (genetic) disorder that results in abnormal bone formation, which causes the bones to break (fracture) easily. There are eight types of osteogenesis imperfecta. Osteogenesis imperfecta symptoms include skeletal deformity, frequent broken bones, and hearing problems. Tests diagnose osteogenesis imperfecta. Treatment for brittle bone disease is to manage symptoms. There is no cure for osteogenesis imperfecta.Super Foods for Your Bones
What sweetener is loaded with calcium? These bone-building super foods can help stave off osteoporosis, and many of them will surprise you.What Is Difference Between Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy?
Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration are procedures usually performed together to collect and examine bone marrow for helping in diagnosis of blood disorders and other conditions.