Anatomy Practice Exam

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Study for the Anatomy Exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Prepare confidently!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is the function of osteoblasts?

To dissolve bone tissue
To build bone tissue
To regulate bone density
To transport nutrients to bone tissue

The correct answer is: To build bone tissue

Osteoblasts are specialized cells responsible for the production and mineralization of bone tissue. They play a crucial role in the bone formation process by synthesizing and secreting the components of the bone matrix, such as collagen and other proteins. This activity leads to the formation of new bone, which is essential for growth, repair, and maintaining bone density. As osteoblasts work, they also facilitate the deposition of minerals, primarily calcium and phosphate, which are vital for the hardness and strength of the bone. Upon completion of their function, some osteoblasts differentiate into osteocytes, the mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix, while others may undergo apoptosis. Given their primary role in creating and building bone tissue, identifying osteoblasts with this specific function is fundamental in understanding bone health, development, and repair mechanisms within the skeletal system.