Cells to Make and Cells to Break

Abstract

Osteoblasts deposit bone while osteoclasts resorb bone. The different cell lineages producing these two cell types are evaluated. Metabolic mechanisms of bone resorption are discussed, as is coupling of formation to resorption through osteoclast dependence on osteoblasts. The roles of Tgfßs, prostaglandins and statins are evaluated. Osteoporosis and osteopetrosis are discussed as examples of coupling gone array.