Final answer:
Osteoclasts are identified as bone dissolving cells which break down bone tissue and release minerals into the blood, balancing bone formation by osteoblasts through the continuous process of bone remodeling.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of cells known as bone dissolving cells are osteoclasts. These are large, multinucleated cells that resorb or break down bone tissue. Osteoclasts are formed from monocytes and macrophages, types of white blood cells, and are characteristically found on the surface of bone. Their function is crucial for bone remodeling and calcium homeostasis as they dissolve the minerals in the bone matrix and release calcium and phosphorus into the blood. This process is balanced by the actions of osteoblasts, which are responsible for forming new bone tissue.
Osteoclasts, by releasing lysosomal enzymes and acids, break down the bony matrix allowing for the continual reshaping of bones throughout an individual's life, contributing to both growth and the healing of injuries. The ongoing balance of bone remodeling is influenced by various hormones such as parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D. Together, the activities of osteoclasts and osteoblasts facilitate the dynamic process of bone remodeling.