Which cells reside within lacunae in bone tissue?

Which cells reside within lacunae in bone tissue?

• A. Osteoblasts
• B. Osteoclasts
• C. Chondrocytes
• D. Osteocytes

Answer: (D)

Lacunae are tiny cavities within mineralized bone that house mature bone cells called osteocytes. These cells are derived from osteoblasts, which become encased in the bone matrix as it forms, leaving osteocytes embedded inside the lacunae. Osteocytes maintain the bone matrix and communicate with other bone cells through tiny channels called canaliculi, helping coordinate bone remodeling in response to mechanical stress. Osteoblasts, by contrast, live on bone surfaces where they synthesize new matrix, so they aren’t located inside lacunae. Osteoclasts, the bone-resorbing cells, reside on bone surfaces in resorption pits rather than in lacunae. Chondrocytes are cartilage cells that live in cartilage lacunae, not in bone tissue.

Lacunae are tiny cavities within mineralized bone that house mature bone cells called osteocytes. These cells are derived from osteoblasts, which become encased in the bone matrix as it forms, leaving osteocytes embedded inside the lacunae. Osteocytes maintain the bone matrix and communicate with other bone cells through tiny channels called canaliculi, helping coordinate bone remodeling in response to mechanical stress.

Osteoblasts, by contrast, live on bone surfaces where they synthesize new matrix, so they aren’t located inside lacunae. Osteoclasts, the bone-resorbing cells, reside on bone surfaces in resorption pits rather than in lacunae. Chondrocytes are cartilage cells that live in cartilage lacunae, not in bone tissue.