Osteocytes are mature bone cells enclosed by the bone matrix they secreted as osteoblasts.

They are smaller than osteoblasts and have more cytoplasmic processes.

After mineralisation, they occupy a lacuna (space) shaped to conform to the osteocyte.

Their cytoplasmic processes extend through canaliculi, small channels in the bone matrix.

Osteocytes communicate with other osteocytes and bone cells via gap junctions.

They are metabolically active, maintaining bone and responding to mechanical forces.

Flexing of the bone moves interstitial fluid through canaliculi, aiding in mechanical signal detection.

Review: Cellular Structure of Bone (Physiology 2)