Which of the following statements about osteoclasts is not TRUE?
Correct Answer: They stain strongly with alkaline phosphatase
Description: Osteoclasts are of monocytic (hematopoietic) origin. They differ histologically from osteoblasts because they are multinucleate cells with acidophilic cytoplasm, whereas osteoblasts have basophilic cytoplasm and only one nucleus. Osteoblasts stain well with alkaline phosphatase; osteoclasts stain with acid phosphatase. Osteoclasts are found in indentations in the bone they are resorbing. These indentations are called Howship's lacunae. The cytoplasmic surface that abuts the Howship's lacuna has many projections, somewhat like microvilli, that are referred to as ruffles. Next to the ruffled border is a clear zone that delimits the outer edge of bone resorption. An electron microscopy, the only organelles found in the clear zone are actin filaments, which are thought to attach the osteoclast to bone and create a seal around the resorptive.
Category:
Anatomy
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now