Osteocyte
Definition
An osteocyte is a bone cell embedded within the tissue matrix and involved in its regulation. Its identification describes a cellular structure, rather than guaranteeing that preserved nuclear DNA or any particular forensic genetic result can be recovered.
- Context
- Cell biology
For example, identifying an embedded bone cell does not by itself guarantee that its nuclear DNA remains suitable for a complete profile.
Presence of a named structure does not guarantee an intact nuclear DNA profile.
Related terms
- Demineralisation
- Removal or dissolution of mineral under specified preparation conditions. Demineralisation can make mineralised tissue more accessible, while lysis disrupts cells or tissue...
- Diagenesis
- Postmortem physical, chemical and biological alteration of material. Those processes can affect appearance, composition and preserved biological information. Alteration does not follow...
- Osteoblast
- An osteoblast is a cell that produces bone matrix and contributes to mineralisation during bone formation. Its biological role differs from that...
- Osteon
- An osteonal unit contains concentric lamellae around a vascular canal. Secondary osteons record remodelling; size and shape vary and overlap among species,...
Explained in
- Bone Biology and Forensic SignificanceA bone cell embedded in the matrix and involved in tissue regulation.