Humoral Regulation of Osteoclasts and Their Role in Bone Resorption

Osteoclasts are derived from the macrophage haematopoietic lineage, resemble monocyte-like phagocytic cells, and are involved in bone resorption. The cells of the bone and the immune system communicate by cytokines and growth factors. The discovery of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) signalling pathway in osteoclasts provides a deeper understanding of osteoclastogenesis, mechanisms of the activation of bone resorption, and how bone structure and mass are affected by hormones.