Osteoclasts are specialized cells in the body responsible for breaking down bone tissue. They play a crucial role in the process of bone remodeling, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones. By resorbing bone, osteoclasts help regulate calcium levels in the blood and contribute to the overall balance of bone formation and destruction. These cells originate from monocytes, a type of white blood cell, and are found on the surface of bones. Osteoclasts work in coordination with osteoblasts, the cells that build new bone, ensuring that bone density and strength are properly maintained throughout a person's life.