Osteoblasts cause bone to grow by
A) laying down new matrix until they are surrounded.
B) increasing the number of cells within the matrix.
C) laying down new matrix on bone surface.
D) tearing down old bone and depositing new bone.
E) tearing down old cartilage and depositing new bone.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Osteoblasts are responsible for laying down new matrix on the surface of existing bone tissue, which then becomes mineralized and forms new bone tissue. This process is called bone deposition or osteogenesis. Osteoblasts are also responsible for regulating the mineral content of bone tissue by secreting enzymes and hormones that control the uptake and release of calcium and other minerals. The other answer choices are not correct because osteoblasts do not increase the number of cells in the matrix, tear down old bone, or deposit new bone on top of cartilage.

Osteoblasts Cause Bone to Grow by