Compared to osteoblasts, osteocytes generally show which histological characteristic?
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Correct answer: Reduced cytoplasmic volume and fewer organelles
Because osteocytes are no longer actively secreting large volumes of matrix, they have a reduced metabolic profile. This is reflected histologically by a decrease in the volume of the Golgi apparatus and rough ER.
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More Osteocytes questions
- What is the biological significance of 'pericellular fluid' within the lacuno-canalicular system?
- The process where osteocytes remove a small amount of surrounding matrix to regulate systemic calcium levels is called:
- Which protein, specifically secreted by osteocytes, acts as a potent inhibitor of bone formation by osteoblasts?
- What happens to osteocytes when the surrounding bone tissue is no longer supplied with blood (e.g., in a fracture)?
- Under electron microscopy, the space between the osteocyte plasma membrane and the lacunar wall is termed the:
- Osteocytes represent approximately what percentage of all cells in mature bone tissue?