Which bone cell is responsible for resorbing old or damaged bone?

Which bone cell is responsible for resorbing old or damaged bone?

• A. Osteoblast
• B. Chondrocyte
• C. Osteoclast
• D. Osteocyte

Answer: (C)

Resorption is the process of removing bone tissue, and the cell that does this is the osteoclast. These large, multinucleated cells attach to the bone surface and create a sealed resorption compartment. They secrete acids to dissolve the mineral components and proteolytic enzymes to break down the organic matrix, effectively clearing out old or damaged bone so new bone can be formed. This resorption step is a key part of the bone remodeling cycle, which also includes osteoblasts that lay down new bone and later mineralize it. Osteocytes are mature bone cells embedded in the matrix that help sense mechanical stress and coordinate remodeling, while chondrocytes are cartilage cells and are not responsible for resorbing bone.

Resorption is the process of removing bone tissue, and the cell that does this is the osteoclast. These large, multinucleated cells attach to the bone surface and create a sealed resorption compartment. They secrete acids to dissolve the mineral components and proteolytic enzymes to break down the organic matrix, effectively clearing out old or damaged bone so new bone can be formed. This resorption step is a key part of the bone remodeling cycle, which also includes osteoblasts that lay down new bone and later mineralize it. Osteocytes are mature bone cells embedded in the matrix that help sense mechanical stress and coordinate remodeling, while chondrocytes are cartilage cells and are not responsible for resorbing bone.