Osteoblasts · Histology

Which of the following describes the typical morphology of an active osteoblast seen under a light microscope?

  1. Large, multinucleated, and ruffled
  2. Cuboidal to low columnar with a basophilic cytoplasm
  3. Flat and spindle-shaped with minimal cytoplasm
  4. Stellate-shaped with long cytoplasmic processes in canaliculi
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Correct answer: Cuboidal to low columnar with a basophilic cytoplasm

Active osteoblasts are typically cuboidal or low columnar cells that line the surfaces where bone is being formed. Their cytoplasm is strongly basophilic due to the high concentration of rough endoplasmic reticulum needed for protein synthesis.

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