Which cells build new bone tissue and which cells break down old bone tissue?

Bone tissue is maintained through a continuous process known as bone remodeling, which involves the coordinated action of two primary cell types:

• Osteoblasts: These cells are responsible for building new bone tissue. They synthesize and deposit the organic protein matrix, known as osteoid, which subsequently undergoes mineralization to form hard bone.123
• Osteoclasts: These large, multinucleated cells are responsible for breaking down or resorbing old bone tissue. They achieve this by secreting enzymes and acids that dissolve both the inorganic minerals and the organic collagen components of the bone matrix.142

This dynamic balance between the formation of new bone by osteoblasts and the destruction of old bone by osteoclasts allows the skeleton to grow, repair itself, and regulate the body's calcium levels.143