Which type of bone cell is responsible for bone resorption?

Osteoclasts are the type of bone cells that are primarily responsible for bone resorption. This process involves the breakdown of bone tissue, where osteoclasts secrete enzymes and acids that dissolve the mineralized matrix and release calcium and phosphate into the bloodstream. This function is crucial for maintaining bone health, allowing for the remodeling and repair of bones, as well as regulating mineral balance in the body.

Osteoblasts, on the other hand, are responsible for bone formation and the synthesis of the bone matrix. Osteocytes are mature bone cells that help maintain the bone matrix and communicate changes in the bone environment. Chondrocytes are involved in the formation of cartilage, which is a different type of connective tissue. Understanding the specific roles of these cells highlights why osteoclasts are essential for the process of bone resorption.