Final answer:
Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells that originate from monocytes and are responsible for the breakdown of bone tissue. They work in balance with osteoblasts, which form new bone, ensuring the maintenance and health of bones.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bone cells that are derived from the fusion of many monocytes and are responsible for the breakdown of bone are known as osteoclasts. These cells play a crucial role in bone remodeling, which is the process of renewal and repair of bones. Osteoclasts are multinucleated and are found on bone surfaces. They originate from monocytes and macrophages, which are types of white blood cells. This process helps to maintain bone strength and calcium levels in the body. Osteoclasts perform bone resorption by releasing enzymes and acids that dissolve the bone matrix, thus releasing the minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, into the bloodstream.
On the other hand, osteoblasts are responsible for the formation of new bone tissue, thereby contributing to the dynamic balance between bone formation and bone resorption. The interplay between osteoclasts and osteoblasts is essential for the proper maintenance and health of bones.