Chapter 19, Problem 1A

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The cells involved in the breakdown of bone.

Introduction:

The breakdown of bone tissues takes place through a process known as resorption. The cells responsible for this are called osteoclasts. These are multinucleated cells containing mitochondria and lysosomes. They are usually located on the outer layer of the bone tissue called periosteum. The osteoclasts release enzymes like collagenase and induce folding of the cell membrane, which starts the resorption process.