Understanding Bone Tissue: Cells and Structure

Osteocytes

- Most abundant bone cells

- Embedded within the bone matrix

- Maintain the bone matrix

- Communicate with each other through tiny channels called canaliculi

Osteoblasts

- Bone-forming cells

- Synthesize and secrete the bone matrix

- Located on the surface of the bone

Osteoclasts

- Bone-resorbing cells

- Break down the bone matrix

- Located on the surface of the bone

Bone marrow

- Soft tissue that fills the marrow cavity

- Produces blood cells