Osteoblast

From Freepedia

An osteoblast (from the Greek words for "bone" and "to build") is a mononucleate cell which produces a protein that produces osteoid.

Osteoblasts arise when osteoprogenitor cells (mesenchymal cells), which are located near all bony surfaces and within the bone marrow, differentiate under the influence of growth factors, such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and other bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs).

In addition to osteoid, osteoblasts also secrete enzymes which facilitate mineral deposition within osteoid matrices. They are also responsible for regulating the activity of osteoclasts via soluble mediators.

Osteoblasts that become trapped in the bone matrix become osteocytes.