What type of cells are responsible for forming new bone?

The cells that are responsible for forming new bone are osteoblasts. These specialized cells synthesize and secrete the components necessary for bone formation, including collagen and various proteins that constitute the bone matrix. Osteoblasts play a crucial role in the process of ossification, which is the formation of new bone tissue. They actively participate in mineralization, where they promote the deposition of calcium and phosphate in the bone matrix, leading to the strength and rigidity characteristic of bone.

In contrast, osteocytes, which are mature bone cells, are primarily involved in maintaining bone tissue and regulating the bone remodeling process rather than directly forming new bone. Chondrocytes are a type of cell responsible for cartilage formation and are not involved in bone formation. Osteoclasts are large cells that break down bone tissue during the remodeling process, helping to resorb bone and regulate calcium levels in the body, but they do not contribute to the formation of new bone. Therefore, the role of osteoblasts is essential and distinct in the creation of new bone.