What are osteoclasts?

Osteoclasts are tiny, flattened, multinucleated bone cells that are responsible for bone resorption, which is essential for maintaining bone health. These bone cells hover close to the bone surface at all times. When it is time for bone remodeling, osteoclasts bind to the bone and release enzymes that erode the collagen in bone, creating groove-like depressions where the osteoblasts lay down new, healthy bone tissue.