A bone-forming cell that is derived from mesenchymal osteoprognitor cells and forms an osseous matrix in which it becomes enclosed as an osteocyte. SYN: osteoplast. [osteo- + G. blastos, germ]
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os·teo·blast 'äs-tē-ə-.blast n a bone-forming cell
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n.
a cell, originating in the mesoderm of the embryo, that is responsible for the formation of bone. See also ossification.
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os·teo·blast (osґte-o-blast″) [osteo- + -blast] a cell that arises from a fibroblast and that, as it matures, is associated with the production of bone. osteoblastic adjMedical dictionary. 2011.