Osteoclasts originate from which hematopoietic cell lineage?

Osteoclasts originate from which hematopoietic cell lineage?

• A. Lymphoid progenitor
• B. Megakaryocyte
• C. Monocyte lineage
• D. Erythroid

Answer: (C)

Osteoclasts originate from the monocyte lineage because they arise from precursors in the myeloid branch of hematopoiesis and form through the fusion of monocytes. These multinucleated cells differentiate into bone-resorbing osteoclasts in response to signals like RANKL and M-CSF, which promote their survival, fusion, and activation at sites of bone remodeling. In contrast, lymphoid progenitors give rise to lymphocytes (B, T, NK cells); megakaryocytes produce platelets; and erythroid precursors form red blood cells. Thus, the monocyte lineage is the source of osteoclasts.

Osteoclasts originate from the monocyte lineage because they arise from precursors in the myeloid branch of hematopoiesis and form through the fusion of monocytes. These multinucleated cells differentiate into bone-resorbing osteoclasts in response to signals like RANKL and M-CSF, which promote their survival, fusion, and activation at sites of bone remodeling. In contrast, lymphoid progenitors give rise to lymphocytes (B, T, NK cells); megakaryocytes produce platelets; and erythroid precursors form red blood cells. Thus, the monocyte lineage is the source of osteoclasts.