On the Nature of the So-Called Osteoclasts

Abstract

Upon examination of the multinucleated giant cells closely related with bone tissues from various angles, it was demonstrated that the socalled osteoclasts are nothing but osteoblastic cells taking syncytial form at the stages of dissolution or new formation of trabeculae and cannot be regarded as having the function of positively destroying and resorbing bone substance. Accordingly, we deem it unjustifiable to call them osteo-clasts and propose the new name of ‘bone giant cells’ for them.