During osteogenesis, osteoblasts lay down osteoid and transform into osteocytes embedded in mineralized bone matrix. Despite the fact that osteocytes are the most abundant cellular component of bone, little is known about the process of osteoblast-to-osteocyte transformation.

Do osteoblasts eventually become osteocytes?

Osteoblasts (bone forming cells) are of mesenchymal origin, secrete non-mineralized bone matrix (osteoid), and finally become incorporated as osteocytes in mineralized bone matrix.

How osteoblasts become osteocytes a decreasing matrix forming process?

A passive matrix embedding process related to a decreased activity of the osteoblast-osteocyte cell is proposed as a comprehensive pathway from osteoblast to osteocyte.