There are three special types of cells that are found only in the bone. These cell names all start with "OSTEO" because that is the Greek word for bone.
OSTEOCLASTS "Bone Cell Picture' are large cells that dissolve the
bone. They come from the bone marrow and are related to white blood cells. They are formed from two or more cells that fuse together, so the osteoclasts usually have more than one nucleus. They are found on the surface of the bone mineral next to the dissolving bone.
OSTEOBLASTS 'Bone Cell Picture' are the cells that form new bone. They also come from the bone marrow and are related to structural cells. They have only one nucleus. Osteoblasts work in teams to build bone. They produce new bone called "osteoid"
which is made of bone collagen and other protein. Then they control calcium and mineral deposition. They are found on the surface of the new bone.
OSTEOCYTES 'Bone Cell Picture' are cells inside the bone.
They also come from osteoblasts. Some of the osteoblasts turn into osteocytes while the new bone is being formed, and the osteocytes then get surrounded by new bone. They are not isolated, however, because they send out long branches that connect to the other osteocytes. These cells can sense pressures or cracks in the bone and help to direct where osteoclasts will
dissolve the bone.
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