Lacunae containing osteocytes are a feature of which tissue component?

Lacunae containing osteocytes are a feature of which tissue component?

• A. Cardiac tissue
• B. Cartilage lacunae
• C. Bone matrix
• D. Muscle fiber

Answer: (C)

Lacunae containing osteocytes are found in bone tissue, specifically within the mineralized bone matrix. Osteocytes are mature bone cells that become embedded in this rigid extracellular matrix as they originate from osteoblasts. The lacunae are tiny cavities inside the bone matrix, and osteocytes extend processes through canaliculi to communicate with each other and with cells on the bone surface. This arrangement is unique to bone and supports maintenance and remodeling of the skeletal system. In contrast, cartilage lacunae house chondrocytes, and cardiac muscle or skeletal muscle fibers do not feature lacunae with osteocytes embedded in a mineralized matrix.

Lacunae containing osteocytes are found in bone tissue, specifically within the mineralized bone matrix. Osteocytes are mature bone cells that become embedded in this rigid extracellular matrix as they originate from osteoblasts. The lacunae are tiny cavities inside the bone matrix, and osteocytes extend processes through canaliculi to communicate with each other and with cells on the bone surface. This arrangement is unique to bone and supports maintenance and remodeling of the skeletal system. In contrast, cartilage lacunae house chondrocytes, and cardiac muscle or skeletal muscle fibers do not feature lacunae with osteocytes embedded in a mineralized matrix.