Osteoblast

Osteoblasts ( osteoblast the singular ) are cells that are responsible for the bone formation. They develop from undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, embryonic connective tissue cells. They attach themselves to bone skin in layers and form indirectly the basis for new bone, the bone matrix by secreting mainly type - 1 collagen, calcium phosphates and carbonates in the interstitial space. In this process, they change to a framework of no longer capable of dividing osteocytes, which is mineralized slowly and filled with calcium. This osteocytes form a network that is incorporated in the newly formed bone.

Opponent of osteoblasts, the osteoclasts. Osteoblasts regulate the function of osteoclasts directly by the secretion of signaling substances: on the one hand, by activating the RANK ligand, on the other hand, by the inhibitory Osteoprotogerin (OG), which neutralizes RANKL.

Degenerate osteoblasts can cause osteoblastomas, a type of bone tumors.