Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

What is the primary role of osteoclasts?

1. Bone formation

2. Bone resorption

3. Bone support

4. Bone repair

The correct answer is: Bone resorption

The primary role of osteoclasts is bone resorption. Osteoclasts are specialized cells that break down bone tissue, which is a crucial part of maintaining bone health and homeostasis. They facilitate the process of bone remodeling, where old or damaged bone is removed to allow for the formation of new bone by osteoblasts, which are the cells responsible for bone formation. Bone resorption is vital for various physiological processes, including the regulation of calcium levels in the bloodstream and the adjustment of bone architecture in response to mechanical stress or injury. By removing old or unnecessary bone, osteoclasts help to ensure that the skeletal system remains strong and adaptable to the body's needs. While bone formation, support, and repair are important functions within the skeletal system, these processes primarily involve osteoblasts and other cell types in the bone matrix. Osteoclasts do not take part in these functions; their main responsibility lies in the absorption and breakdown of bone.