THE FINE STRUCTURE OF BONE CELLS
Open Access
- 1 December 1961
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Rockefeller University Press in The Journal of cell biology
- Vol. 11 (3), 627-649
- https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.11.3.627
Abstract
An electron microscopic study of Araldite-embedded, undecalcified human woven and chick lamellar bone is presented. The fine structure of the cells of bone in their normal milieu is described. Active osteoblasts possess abundant granular endoplasmic reticulum, numerous small vesicles, and a few secretion droplets. Their long cytoplasmic processes penetrate the osteoid. The transition of osteoblasts into osteoid osteocytes and then into osteocytes is traced and found to involve a progressive reduction of cytoplasmic organelles. Adjoining the osteocytes and their processes is a layer of amorphous material which is interposed between the cell surfaces and the bone walls of their respective cavities. Osteoclasts contain numerous non-membrane-associated ribosomes, abundant mitochondria, and little granular endoplasmic reticulum, thus differing markedly from other bone cells. The brush border is a complex of cytoplasmic processes adjacent to a resorption zone in bone. No unmineralized collagen is seen at resorption sites and it appears that collagen is removed before or at the time of mineral solution. All bone surfaces are covered by cells, some of which lack distinctive qualities and are designated endosteal lining cells. The structure of osteoid, bone, and early mineralization sites is illustrated and discussed.This publication has 18 references indexed in Scilit:
- ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF OSTEOCLASTS IN HEALING FRACTURES OF RAT BONEThe Journal of cell biology, 1961
- Phase and Electron Microscopic Studies of Experimental DemyelinationJournal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology, 1961
- Collagen Formation by Fibroblasts of the Chick Embryo DermisThe Journal of cell biology, 1959
- Electron Microscopy of the Primary Spongiosa of the Metaphysis at the Distal End of the Femur in the Newborn InfantThe Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, 1958
- ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDIES OF CRYSTAL-COLLAGEN RELATIONSHIPS IN BONEThe Journal of cell biology, 1957
- Effects of Varying the Vehicle for OsO4 in Tissue FixationThe Journal of cell biology, 1957
- Electron microscopy of the epiphyseal apparatusThe Anatomical Record, 1956
- ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF CARTILAGE AND BONE MATRIX AT THE DISTAL EPIPHYSEAL LINE OF THE FEMUR IN THE NEWBORN INFANTThe Journal of cell biology, 1956
- The morphogenesis of avian tendonProceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B - Biological Sciences, 1956
- [New studies on bone tissue; morphology, histochemistry and effect of peripheral and autonomic nervous system, of enzymes and hormones].1954