what are osteocytes

Osteocytes are a type of bone cell that are highly specialized and responsible for the maintenance of the bony matrix. They are derived from osteoblasts and are the most common cells in bone tissues. Osteocytes are flat, almond-shaped cells that reside within the lacunae located between the lamellae of the matrix. They have a depth of about 7 micrometers and length of about 15 micrometers, and each lacuna consists of one osteocyte. Osteocytes are capable of bone deposition and resorption, and they are involved in bone remodeling by transmitting signals to other osteocytes in response to even slight deformations of bone caused by muscular activity. They are also the principal sensors for mechanical loading of bone and produce the soluble factors that regulate the onset of both bone formation and resorption. Osteocytes regulate local mineral deposition and chemistry at the bone matrix level, and they also function as endocrine cells producing factors that target distant organs such as the kidney to regulate phosphate transport.