Osteoblast

An osteoblast (from the Greek words for "bone" and "to build") is a mononucleate cell which produces a protein that produces osteoid.

Related Topics:
Greek - Bone - Cell - Osteoid

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Osteoblasts arise when osteoprogenitor cells (mesenchymal cells), which are located near all bony surfaces and within the bone marrow, differentiate under the influence of growth factors, such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-?) and other bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs).

Related Topics:
Mesenchymal cell - Growth factor - Platelet-derived growth factor - Transforming growth factor beta - Bone morphogenetic protein

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In addition to osteoid, osteoblasts also secrete enzymes which facilitate mineral deposition within osteoid matrices. They are also responsible for regulating the activity of osteoclasts via soluble mediators.

Related Topics:
Enzyme - Mineral - Matrices - Osteoclast

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Osteoblasts that become trapped in the bone matrix become osteocytes.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~