Outline definition, the line by which a figure or object is defined or bounded; contour. See more.
There are three special types of cells that are found only in the bone. These cell names all start with OSTEO because that is the Greek word for bone. OSTEOCLASTS are large cells that dissolve the bone. They come from the bone marrow and are related to white blood cells.
During bone formation, the surface layer of osteoblasts consists of cuboidal cells, called active osteoblasts. When the bone-forming unit is not actively synthesizing bone, the surface osteoblasts are flattened and are called inactive osteoblasts. Osteocytes remain alive and are connected by cell processes to a surface layer of osteoblasts. Osteocytes have important functions in skeletal maintenance. Osteoclasts. Osteoclasts break down bone tissue, and along with osteoblasts and osteocytes form the structural components of bone.