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Osteoclasts

Cells that break down or resorb bone.

Multinucleated cells of monocyte lineage that resorb bone by acidifying the resorption lacuna and secreting proteolytic enzymes. Regulated by RANK/RANKL/OPG signaling and PTH.

How one textbook covers it

  • Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 8th ed. (Gropper)Glossary

    Multinucleated cells of monocyte lineage that resorb bone by acidifying the resorption lacuna and secreting proteolytic enzymes. Regulated by RANK/RANKL/OPG signaling and PTH.

Related terms

Hydroxyapatite, Osteoblasts