Basic Aspects of Osteoblast Function

Abstract

The cells of the osteoblast lineage (osteoblasts, osteocytes, and bone lining cells) have multiple stage-specific functions in the skeleton, including formation of the bone matrix. They arise from pluripotent mesenchymal progenitors, which can also give rise to adipocytes and chondrocytes. The functions carried out by the osteoblast lineage are regulated by both paracrine and endocrine factors. During bone formation, osteoblasts produce the collagenous matrix (osteoid), which becomes mineralized through the deposition and accumulation of bioapatite mineral crystals; the latter is dependent on the availability of inorganic phosphate, which is regulated by the osteoblast lineage through produc..