osteoclasts
Skeletal tissue removers
Osteoclasts are large cells that break down bone tissue.
They work alongside osteoblasts, which build bone, in a continuous process of remodeling that maintains skeletal health.
When osteoclast activity outpaces bone formation, conditions like osteoporosis result: The drug works by inhibiting osteoclasts.
cellular
Having several nuclei
- fusionJoining into unity
- membraneThin tissue sheet
- polarizedSplit into opposing factions
- differentiationRecognizing meaningful differences
maturation · apoptosis · lifespan · motility · attachment · detachment
pathology
Disease weakening skeletal structure
- periodontitisGum infection destroying jawbone
- hypercalcemiaHigh blood calcium
- myelomaMalignant plasma cell neoplasm
resorption
Removal of minerals
- acidificationIncrease in hydrogen ions
- dissolutionBreaking up completely
- excavationAct of unearthing
- erosionGradual wearing away
molecular
Tartrate-resistant phosphatase enzyme
- collagenaseEnzyme degrading fibrous protein
- cytokinesImmune signaling proteins
- interleukinsImmune cell signaling proteins
multinucleated
Having several nuclei
differentiation · maturation · apoptosis · lifespan · motility · attachment · detachment
osteoporosis
Disease weakening skeletal structure
- periodontitisGum infection destroying jawbone
- hypercalcemiaHigh blood calcium
- myelomaMalignant plasma cell neoplasm
demineralization
Removal of minerals
- acidificationIncrease in hydrogen ions
- dissolutionBreaking up completely
- excavationAct of unearthing
TRAP
Tartrate-resistant phosphatase enzyme
- collagenaseEnzyme degrading fibrous protein
- cytokinesImmune signaling proteins
- interleukinsImmune cell signaling proteins
mineralization
Conversion to mineral form