![](https://www.endotext.org/wp-content/uploads/parathyroid/1/figure5.jpg)
Figure 5. Osteoclast Life Cycle. The osteoclast is derived from a mononuclear hematopoietic precursor cell which, upon activation, fuses with other precursors to form a multinucleated osteoclast. The osteoclast first attaches to the bone surface then commences resorption. After a cycle of bone resorption, the osteoclast undergoes apoptosis.