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Osteoclasts

Meaning

Osteoclasts are large, highly specialized, multinucleated cells of hematopoietic lineage that are specifically responsible for the essential resorption and breakdown of old or micro-damaged bone tissue. These cells are indispensable components of the continuous bone remodeling cycle, a lifelong process that maintains skeletal integrity, facilitates the release of essential minerals into the bloodstream, and allows for structural adaptation to mechanical stress. Their lytic activity is tightly and complexly regulated by systemic hormones, including parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and the sex steroids estrogen and testosterone.