What are the cells that form bone called?

The cells that form bone are known as osteoblasts. These specialized cells play a crucial role in the bone formation process by synthesizing and secreting the bone matrix, which consists of collagen and other proteins. As osteoblasts produce new bone, they also facilitate the mineralization process that involves depositing calcium and phosphate, leading to the hardening of the bone tissue. Once osteoblasts become embedded in the bone matrix they have created, they mature into osteocytes, which are involved in maintaining bone tissue. This distinct function of osteoblasts in creating new bone makes them integral to both development and healing of the skeletal system.

In contrast, chondroblasts are responsible for forming cartilage, not bone. Osteocytes serve mainly a maintenance role within the bone matrix, while osteoclasts are involved in the resorption or breakdown of bone tissue, contributing to the remodeling process but not to the formation of new bone.