Relationships between shape and size of the osteoblasts and the accretion rate of trabecular bone surfaces.

The structure of the osteoblastic layer on trabecular bone surfaces showing different accretion rates was examined. Volume and secretory surface of the cells and thickness of the underlying osteoid border were measured within serial sections. Shape, size and arrangement of osteoblasts varied greatly on the different trabeculae examined, but were relatively homogeneous over each surface. A correlation was found between the volume-secretory surface ration (i.e. the relative amount of protoplasmatic volume involved in osteoid production) and the thickness of the underlying osteoid seam measured separately for each osteoblast.