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An 'osteocyte', a star-shaped cell, is the most abundant cell found in bone. Cells contain a nucleus and a thin ring of cytoplasm. Once osteoblasts become trapped in the matrix they secrete, they become osteocytes. Osteocytes are networked to each other via long processes that occupy tiny canals called canaliculi, which are used for exchange of nutrients and waste. The space that an osteocyte occupies is called a lacuna (Latin for a ''pit''). Although osteocytes have reduced synthetic activity and, like osteoblasts are not capable of mitotic division, they are actively involved in the maintenance of bony matrix, through various mechanosensory mechanisms. Osteocytes develop in mesenchyme.
Hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate is deposited around the cell.

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External links

External links

★ - "Cartilage and Bone and Bone Histogenesis: cells of bone "

★ - "Cartilage and Bone and Bone Histogenesis: compact bone"

★ Histology at ou.edu