- Bone, the main skeletal tissue in humans, is made of many minerals mainly calcium that imparts strength to it. It contains two special types of cells that regulate calcium levels and bone density namely osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
- Osteoblasts absorb calcium from the blood and helps in the formation of bones, while osteoclasts help in reabsorption of calcium back into the blood from the bone, typically when the blood calcium level is low.
- Sometimes excess activity of these osteoclasts may result in weakening of the bones as is seen during Chikungunya.