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 the organic matrix of bone, known as osteoid, which is primarily composed of type I collagen.
Osteoblasts also regulate the mineralization of this osteoid, leading to the formation of hard, mature bone.
The term 'blast' in biology often refers to an immature cell or a cell that forms or builds tissue.

Option A: Fibrinoblasts is not a standard biological term. It is likely a typo for fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are the main cells of connective tissue that produce collagen and other fibers, 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 embedded within the bone matrix.
Option C: Osteoclasts have the opposite function; they are responsible for bone resorption, which is the breakdown of bone tissue.

Visual 1: Diagram - An illustration showing the bone remodeling cycle, with osteoclasts resorbing old bone, and osteoblasts laying down new bone matrix, some of which become osteocytes. This visual helps to clarify the distinct roles and relationships between the three main bone cell types.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Functions of Bone Cells 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 weak and brittle bones.
Many treatments for osteoporosis work by either inhibiting osteoclast activity (antiresorptive drugs like bisphosphonates) or stimulating osteoblast activity (anabolic drugs like teriparatide).

How to Approach the Question

This is a direct recall question testing your knowledge of basic physiology.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'bone forming cells'.
Analyze the prefixes and suffixes of the options. 'Osteo-' refers to bone. '-blast' typically refers to a cell that builds or produces something. '-clast' refers to a cell that breaks something down. '-cyte' refers to a mature cell.
Based on this word analysis, 'Osteoblast' (bone-builder) is the most logical answer for 'bone forming'.
Recall the specific functions: Osteoblasts build, Osteoclasts resorb (clear), and Osteocytes maintain.
Eliminate the other options based on their known functions.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QuWKch-15EaVoJzhSU9R4G

Practise the full AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (Shift-3)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.