Which cell is located within lacunae embedded in the bone matrix and maintains bone tissue?

Which cell is located within lacunae embedded in the bone matrix and maintains bone tissue?

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

Answer: (B)

Osteocytes are the mature bone cells housed in lacunae within the mineralized bone matrix. They originate from osteoblasts that become embedded as they secrete bone, and their long extensions run through tiny canaliculi to connect with other cells. This placement and these connections let osteocytes monitor mechanical load and regulate the ongoing remodeling of bone by signaling osteoblasts and osteoclasts, helping to maintain mineral balance and tissue integrity. In contrast, osteoblasts reside on surfaces and build new bone, osteoclasts resorb bone, and chondrocytes are cartilage cells not embedded in bone matrix. Therefore, the cell located within lacunae and responsible for maintaining bone tissue is the osteocyte.

Osteocytes are the mature bone cells housed in lacunae within the mineralized bone matrix. They originate from osteoblasts that become embedded as they secrete bone, and their long extensions run through tiny canaliculi to connect with other cells. This placement and these connections let osteocytes monitor mechanical load and regulate the ongoing remodeling of bone by signaling osteoblasts and osteoclasts, helping to maintain mineral balance and tissue integrity. In contrast, osteoblasts reside on surfaces and build new bone, osteoclasts resorb bone, and chondrocytes are cartilage cells not embedded in bone matrix. Therefore, the cell located within lacunae and responsible for maintaining bone tissue is the osteocyte.