Final answer:
Osteoblasts are the bone-building cells responsible for producing collagen and minerals that form the bone matrix. They are essential in bone growth and ossification, later transforming into osteocytes which maintain bone structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bone-building cells that produce collagen and add minerals to the bone matrix are called osteoblasts. These cells are crucial in the process of bone formation, known as ossification. Osteoblasts manufacture new bone cells and secrete collagen, which eventually becomes the organic part of the bone matrix. They also aid in bone growth by depositing calcium and phosphate, which form mineral crystals within the matrix. Once the matrix envelops osteoblasts, they convert into osteocytes, which are mature bone cells that maintain the bone structure and ensure the proper mineral content of the matrix. On the other hand, osteoclasts are bone cells involved in the breakdown of the bone matrix and release the minerals back into the bloodstream.