Bone: Cell Types Composing the Tissue

The skeletal system is the internal framework of the body that serves for protection, support, movement, production of blood cells, storage of ions, and endocrine regulation. Bone is a highly vascularized and mineralized connective tissue that is also a dynamic tissue that constantly undergoes structural reorganization. Bone is composed of cells, fibers (such as collagen), and amorphous ground substance.

Bones have many different roles in the body, as evidenced by the different types of bone and the different types of cells within them. Mature bone is mainly shaped and composed by three cell types: osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts can be thought of as having complementary building and destroying functions, respectively, whereas osteocytes serve more of a maintenance function. Inside the sheath formed and ...