Final answer:
The bone cells responsible for the reabsorption of bone in the bone cavities are called osteoclasts, which are vital for bone resorption and remodeling, functioning to dissolve bone minerals and maintain adequate calcium levels in the bloodstream.
Step-by-step explanation:
The large cells present in the cavities of bone that function in the reabsorption of bone are known as osteoclasts.
Osteoclasts are specialized bone cells with multiple nuclei that play a crucial role in bone metabolism. They are responsible for the breakdown and resorption of bone tissue, a process that is vital for the repair and remodeling of bones. Found on bone surfaces, osteoclasts are derived from monocytes and macrophages, which are types of white blood cells. They resorb bone tissue by dissolving the minerals in the bone, thereby releasing them into the bloodstream. This activity ensures the maintenance of calcium levels in the body and involves the breakdown of bone matrix using lysosomal enzymes and acids.
The balance between osteoclasts and another cell type, osteoblasts, which are responsible for the formation of new bone, determines the continuous remodeling and reshaping of bone structure. It is an intricate process that adapts to changes in stress and mechanically induced pressures on bones.