Word parts
oste/o bone-clast something that breaks
What it means
Bone is always being rebuilt. Osteoclasts dissolve old bone (resorption), releasing calcium into the blood, and osteoblasts lay down new bone. When breakdown outpaces building, bones thin, as in osteoporosisos-tee-oh-puh-ROH-sisA condition in which bones lose density and become thin, weak and easy to break.oste/o bonepor/o pore, small opening-osis abnormal conditionFull entry . Bisphosphonate drugs such as alendronate work by slowing osteoclasts.
Remember it
Osteoclasts cut bone (C for cut); osteoblasts build it (B for build).
At a glance
| Spanish | osteoclasto |
|---|---|
| Also written | osteoclasts |
Related terms
calcium
A mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.
osteoporosis
A condition in which bones lose density and become thin, weak and easy to break.
oste/o
A word root that means bone.