noun
- mature bone cells that are embedded in the bone matrix and help maintain bone tissue
Usage: medical; biology
Examples
- Osteocytes are the most abundant cells in mature bone tissue.
- The researcher studied how osteocytes communicate with each other through tiny channels.
- Damage to osteocytes can lead to weakened bones and fractures.
- Osteocytes play a crucial role in detecting mechanical stress on bones.
- The biology textbook explained how osteocytes differ from osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
- Scientists discovered that osteocytes can sense changes in bone loading.