Which of the following is known as bone forming cells?

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (Shift-3)

Explanation

Osteoblasts are the specialized cells responsible for synthesizing new bone tissue.
They produce and secrete the organic matrix of bone (osteoid), which is mainly composed of Type I collagen.
Osteoblasts also regulate the subsequent mineralization of this matrix, which hardens it into mature bone.
Their activity is crucial for bone growth, repair of fractures, and the continuous remodeling of the skeleton.

Option A: This is likely a misspelling of 'fibroblasts'. Fibroblasts are the principal cells of connective tissue, producing collagen and the extracellular matrix for tissues like skin and tendons, but they are not the primary bone-forming cells.
Option B: Osteocytes are mature bone cells, not bone-forming cells. They are former osteoblasts that have become entrapped within the bone matrix. Their primary role is to maintain the bone tissue and act as mechanosensors.
Option C: Osteoclasts have the opposite function; they are responsible for bone resorption, which is the breakdown of bone tissue. They are large, multinucleated cells that dissolve the bone matrix.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Cellular components of bone and their functions as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the balance between osteoblast and osteoclast activity is fundamental to comprehending metabolic bone diseases.
In osteoporosis, there is an imbalance where bone resorption by osteoclasts outpaces bone formation by osteoblasts, leading to fragile bones.
Fracture healing is a process heavily reliant on the proliferation and activity of osteoblasts to form a callus and bridge the bone gap.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for 'bone forming cells'.
Break down the prefixes of the options. 'Osteo-' refers to bone.
Recall the functions associated with the suffixes: '-blast' typically refers to an immature cell that builds tissue, '-cyte' refers to a mature cell, and '-clast' refers to a cell that breaks down tissue.
Apply this knowledge: Osteo-blast means 'bone builder'. Osteo-cyte means 'bone cell'. Osteo-clast means 'bone breaker'.
Evaluate 'Fibrinoblasts'. Recognize this is likely a misspelling of 'fibroblasts', which are associated with fibrous connective tissue, not primarily bone.
Based on the suffix '-blast' indicating formation, conclude that osteoblasts are the bone-forming cells.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1163-1165

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 1005-1007

E6 Physiology Ganong 27e Vol 2 Part 2 p. 143-145

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