osteoblast

American  

[os-tee-uh-blast] / ˈɒs ti əˌblæst /

noun

Anatomy.

1. a bone-forming cell.

---

osteoblast British  

/ ˈɒstɪəʊˌblæst /

noun

1. a bone-forming cell

---

osteoblast Scientific  

/ ŏs′tē-ə-blăst′ /

1. A specialized bone cell that produces and deposits the matrix that is needed for the development of new bone and consists primarily of collagen fibers. Osteoblasts are formed from osteoclasts on the outer surfaces of bone and in bone cavities, and bone deposition takes place constantly in living bone. As new bone grows and hardens with the addition of calcium and phosphate, osteoblasts become embedded in the bone matrix and develop into osteocytes.

---

Other Word Forms

• osteoblastic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of osteoblast

First recorded in 1870–75; osteo- + -blast

Compare meaning

How does osteoblast compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• osteoblast vs. osteoclast
• osteoblast vs. osteocyte

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

osteoblast

Furthermore, the researchers examined the effect of Gprc5a downregulation on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 18, 2024

These findings suggest that Gprc5a suppresses osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 18, 2024

The researchers treated cultured mouse osteoblast cells and mice with teriparatide.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 18, 2024

A therapeutic drug that inhibits osteoblast activity would be useful.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

An osteoblast engaged in the absorption instead of the formation of bone is called an osteoclast.

From Text Book of Biology, Part 1: Vertebrata by H. G. (Herbert George) Wells