osteoblast

[ os-tee-uh-blast ]

noun

, Anatomy.

1. a bone-forming cell.

osteoblast

/ ˈɒstɪəʊˌblæst /

noun

1. a bone-forming cell

osteoblast

/ ŏs′tē-ə-blăst′ /

1. A specialized bone cell that produces and deposits the matrix that is needed for the development of new bone and consists primarily of collagen fibers. Osteoblasts are formed from osteoclasts on the outer surfaces of bone and in bone cavities, and bone deposition takes place constantly in living bone. As new bone grows and hardens with the addition of calcium and phosphate, osteoblasts become embedded in the bone matrix and develop into osteocytes.

Derived Forms

• ˌosteoˈblastic, adjective

Other Words From

• oste·o·blastic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of osteoblast¹

First recorded in 1870–75; osteo- + -blast

Example Sentences

These effects are mediated by osteogenesis, the process of bone formation involving the differentiation and maturation of bone-forming cells called osteoblasts.

From Science Daily

While osteoblasts are the bone-forming cells responsible for synthesizing and depositing new bone tissue, osteoclasts are the bone-resorbing cells involved in the breakdown and removal of old or damaged bone tissue.

From Science Daily

These studies showed cells from older individuals respond to PEPITEM, significantly increasing the maturation of osteoblasts, and their ability to produce and mineralise bone tissues.

From Science Daily

In healthy people, there is a balance between the osteoblasts that build new bone and osteoclasts that break it down.

From Science Daily

And while the scales on most living fishes are formed by odontoblasts, the cells that create our teeth, the cory’s scales are grown from osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building bone.

From National Geographic