Bone cell - Definition and Overview

There are three types of bone cells.

• Osteoblasts - These are commonly called bone-forming cells. They secrete osteoid, which forms the bone matrix.
• Osteocytes - A mature osteoblast surrounded by bone matrix.
• Osteoclasts - These function in resorption and degradation of existing bone.

Although osteogenic or osteoprogenitor cells are commonly mentionned in bone literature, these do not appear to be a unique type of cell. Rather, osteoblasts derive from mesenchymal stem cells, which have shown the ability to differentiate into chondrocytes and adipocytes as well.

References

• Bone marrow mesenchymal cells: biological properties and clinical applications. PMID: 11388742 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11388742)
• Bone marrow stromal stem cells: nature, biology, and potential applications. PMID: 11359943 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11388742)
• Stem cell information (http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/scireport/appendixE.asp)