osteoclast

osteoclast /os·teo·clast/ (os´te-o-klast″)

1. a large multinuclear cell associated with absorption and removal of bone.

2. an instrument used for osteoclasis.osteoclas´tic

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os·te·o·clast (st--klst)

n.

1. A large multinucleate cell found in growing bone that resorbs bony tissue, as in the formation of canals and cavities. Also called osteophage.

2. An instrument used in surgical osteoclasis.

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oste·o·clastic adj.

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Osteoclast

Cell that absorbs bone.

Mentioned in: Multiple Myeloma

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osteoclast

[os′tē·əklast′]

Etymology: Gk, osteon + klasis, breaking

1 also called osteophage. a large type of multinucleated bone cell with a large amount of acidophilic cytoplasm that functions to absorb and remove osseous tissue. During bone healing of fractures, or during certain disease processes, osteoclasts excavate passages through the surrounding tissue by enzymatic action. Osteoclasts become activated in the presence of parathyroid hormone and also in a lymphokine substance produced by lymphocytes in such diseases as multiple myeloma and malignant lymphomas. See also ossification.

2 a surgical instrument used in the fracturing or refracturing of bones for therapeutic purposes, such as correction of a deformity.

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osteoclast [os´te-o-klast″]

1. a large, multinuclear cell frequently associated with resorption of bone.

2. a surgical instrument used for osteoclasis. adj., adj osteoclas´tic.

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osteoclast (os´tēōklast),

n a large, multinucleated giant cell associated with the resorption of bone; the nuclei resemble the nuclei of the osteoblasts and osteocytes; the cytoplasm is often foamy, and the cell frequently has branching processes. They may arise from stromal cells of the bone marrow. They may represent fused osteoblasts or may include fused osteocytes liberated from resorbing bone. They are usually found in close relationship to the resorption of bone and frequently lie in areas of resorption (Howship's lacunae).

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osteoclast

1. a large, multinuclear cell frequently associated with resorption of bone.

2. a surgical instrument used for osteoclasis.

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osteoclast-activating factor (OAF)

a product of activated T lymphocytes that takes part in local resorption of bone.