What does osteoclasts mean?
Osteoclasts are specialized bone cells that play a vital role in bone remodeling and calcium homeostasis. They are responsible for breaking down and resorbing bone tissue, releasing calcium ions into the bloodstream. Osteoclasts are derived from hematopoietic stem cells and are found in the bone marrow. They work in conjunction with osteoblasts, which are responsible for bone formation. The activity of osteoclasts is regulated by various hormones and growth factors, including parathyroid hormone and calcitonin. Osteoclasts are essential for maintaining bone health and density, and their dysfunction has been implicated in various bone-related disorders, such as osteoporosis and Paget's disease. Understanding the role of osteoclasts in bone metabolism is crucial for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for bone-related diseases.
noun
Osteoclasts are a type of bone cell responsible for breaking down and resorbing bone tissue, playing a crucial role in bone remodeling and calcium homeostasis.
- 1. A type of bone cell responsible for breaking down and resorbing bone tissue.
"The osteoclasts in the bone marrow were actively resorbing bone matrix to release calcium ions into the bloodstream."
"The osteoclasts in the bone marrow were actively resorbing bone matrix to release calcium ions into the bloodstream."
"Osteoclasts play a crucial role in bone remodeling and calcium homeostasis."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of osteoclasts
The term 'osteoclast' was coined in the early 20th century from the Greek words 'osteon', meaning bone, and 'clast', meaning breaker or destroyer. The concept of osteoclasts as bone-resorbing cells was first proposed by the American pathologist Charles Robe in 1903. Since then, the role of osteoclasts in bone metabolism has been extensively studied, and they are now recognized as a key component of bone remodeling.
Usage notes
Osteoclasts are a type of bone cell that is responsible for breaking down and resorbing bone tissue. They are found in the bone marrow and work in conjunction with osteoblasts, which are responsible for bone formation. The activity of osteoclasts is regulated by various hormones and growth factors, including parathyroid hormone and calcitonin. Osteoclasts are essential for maintaining bone health and density, and their dysfunction has been implicated in various bone-related disorders, such as osteoporosis and Paget's disease.