Question

Bone is also involved with storage of minerals and fat. Bone cells called ___ break down bone and return calcium and phosphate ions to the bloodstream.

A) Osteoclasts
B) Osteoblasts
C) Chondrocytes
D) Osteocytes

Answer 1

Osteoclasts are the type of bone cells that break down bone tissue, thereby releasing calcium and phosphate ions into the bloodstream, which is essential for maintaining mineral balance in the body.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bone cells called osteoclasts break down bone and return calcium and phosphate ions to the bloodstream. Osteoclasts are specialized cells that resorb bone tissue; they dissolve the minerals in bone and release them into the blood, thus playing a crucial role in bone remodeling and mineral homeostasis. These processes are essential for maintaining concentrations of calcium and other minerals for normal biological function.

While osteoblasts are responsible for the formation and mineralization of bone, and osteocytes maintain bone tissue, it is the osteoclasts that actively break down the bone matrix, facilitating the release of stored minerals. This dynamic balance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts is critical for the constant reshaping and health of bones.