Osteoclasts function

[reising1]

From a question in EK Bio 1001, here's an explanation to an answer:

According to the passage, osteclasts seal onto bone and release acids. The correct answer choice must be D. Osteoclasts have carbonic anhydrase that catalyzes the following reaction:
CO2 + H2O --> H2CO3 --> HCO3- + H+
Later the proton pump releases H+, with CL following, into the Howship's lacuna, which causes bone resorption.

So ultimately, osteoclasts cause bone resorption? I always thought the point of osteoclasts were to break down bone, not reabsorb it. What's going on here?

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[mik30102]

Breaking down bone and reabsorbing the bone means the same thing. When we break down bones we reabsorb the calcium and phosphate into the blood. Just different ways of saying the same thing

 

[reising1]

Oh...I pictured it as reabsorbing the calcium from the blood into bone structures.

Although this makes sense because with respect to the kidney, reabsorption means returning to blood.

 

[rodmichael82]

Proper term for break down of bone is RESORPTION not reabsorption.

 

[mik30102]

ha I never realized that, always pronounced it the same in my head and never noticed the difference in spelling. Guess you learn something new everyday