ABSTRACT

Osteocytes are osteoblasts which have become entrapped within the bone matrix during bone growth. They lie in extracellular fluid within the canalicular spaces, and communicate with one another via pseudopod (finger-like) extensions throughout the matrix. In this situation, they probably have no major biosynthetic activity but are primarily responsible for maintenance of the bone matrix. They also contribute to the acute movement of calcium to and from the bone surface during the day-to-day maintenance of calcium homeostasis.