GLOSSARY

Osteoblasts are bone-forming cells that synthesise and secrete the organic matrix of bone and take part in its mineralisation.
The word comes from the Greek osteon, meaning “bone”, and blastos, meaning “germ” or “bud”.

Function

• Producing osteoid: fresh organic matrix made mainly of type I collagen.
• Mineralisation: secreting the enzyme alkaline phosphatase and vesicles that initiate deposition of calcium and phosphate.
• Regulating osteoclasts: releasing messengers such as RANKL and osteoprotegerin that control the activity of bone-resorbing cells.

Fate