Osteoclast Function — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyPeriodontologyOsteoclast FunctionORE Part 1

Which cells are primarily responsible for bone resorption in the jaws?

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Correct answer: B — Osteoclasts

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · A = shown as B · B = shown as D

Osteoclasts are the primary bone-resorbing cells in the jaws and throughout the skeleton. These large multinucleated cells, derived from hematopoietic precursors, are responsible for degrading mineralized bone matrix through secretion of acid and proteolytic enzymes. Osteoblasts (B) form bone, not resorb it; the balance between osteoclastic resorption and osteoblastic formation maintains bone homeostasis. Osteocytes (C) are embedded osteoblasts that regulate bone remodeling through signalling molecules like RANKL, but they do not directly resorb bone tissue—this is the exclusive function of osteoclasts. Fibroblasts (D) and cementoblasts (E) operate in soft and dental tissues respectively and play no direct role in bone resorption.

Reference: Omi M, Mishina Y. Roles of osteoclasts in alveolar bone remodeling. Genesis. 2022;60(6):e23490. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35757898/