Markers of bone resorption are released from which type of cells?

• A. Osteoblasts
• B. Chondrocytes
• C. Osteoclasts
• D. Adipocytes

Answer: (C)

Markers of bone resorption are specifically associated with osteoclasts, which are the cells responsible for the breakdown of bone tissue. When osteoclasts resorb bone, they release various substances, including collagen degradation products and other markers like C-terminal telopeptide (CTx) and N-terminal telopeptide (NTx). These markers are vital for assessing bone metabolism and turnover, as they indicate the rate at which bone is being resorbed.

Osteoblasts, in contrast, are involved in bone formation, synthesizing new bone matrix and facilitating mineralization. Chondrocytes are primarily found in cartilage and are responsible for cartilage formation and maintenance, while adipocytes are fat cells that play a role in energy storage and metabolism but do not directly relate to bone resorption. Thus, the role of osteoclasts in bone resorption is crucial for understanding the balance between bone formation and degradation, making the correct identification of osteoclasts as the source of resorption markers essential.