Osteocyte

An osteocyte, a star-shaped cell, is the most abundant cell found in bone. Cells contain a nucleus and a thin ring of cytoplasm. Once osteoblasts become trapped in the matrix they secrete, they become osteocytes. Osteocytes are networked to each other via long cytoplasmic extensions that occupy tiny canals called canaliculi, which are used for exchange of nutrients and waste. The space that an osteocyte occupies is called a lacuna (Latin for a pit). Although osteocytes have reduced synthetic activity and, like osteoblasts are not capable of mitotic division, they are actively involved in the routine turnover of bony matrix, through various mechanosensory mechanisms. They destroy bone through a slow (relative to osteoclasts) mechanism called osteocytic osteolysis. Osteoblasts/osteocytes develop in mesenchyme.

Hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate is deposited around the cell.