Osteocytes

Living inside the stone

Our skeleton, although stone-hard, is formed by little cells known as osteocytes. These cells are present inside the fully formed bone. Their main function is sensing mechanical stress and strain on bones. They are also involved in regulating phosphate and calcium levels in the bloodstream by releasing signalling molecules that affect other bone cells.

Art by Nelli Aghekyan, Set in motion by Dr. Emanuele Petretto. Words by Dr. Masia Maksymowicz, Project Coordinator: Dr. Masia Maksymowicz, Series Director: Dr. Radhika Patnala

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