Os osteoblastos que ao sintetizar novo tecido óseo quedan atrapados na matriz ósea, permanecen illados alí nas chamadas lagoas (''lacunae'') do tecido óseo e convértense alí en [[osteocito]]s. Deixan de xerar matriz oseaósea e de mineralizar a matriz, e pasan a actuar de modo [[paracrino]] sobre os osteoblastos activos (segregan localmente substancias regulatorias). Crese que responden a estímulos mecanosensoriais.<ref name=Ehrlich2002>{{cite journal|author = Ehrlich, P. J.|coauthors = Lanyon, L. E.|year = 2002|title = Mechanical Strain and Bone Cell Function: A Review|journal = Osteoporosis International|volume = 13|issue = 9|pages = 688–700|doi = 10.1007/s001980200095|pmid = 12195532}}</ref><ref name=You2000>{{cite journal|author = You, J.|coauthors = Yellowley, C. E.; Donahue, H. J.; Zhang, Y.; Chen, Q.; Jacobs, C. R.|year = 2000|title = Substrate Deformation Levels Associated With Routine Physical Activity Are Less Stimulatory to Bone Cells Relative to Loading-Induced Oscillatory Fluid Flow|journal = Journal of Biomechanical Engineering|volume = 122|issue = 4|pages = 387–394|doi = 10.1115/1.1287161| pmid=11036562}}</ref>
