Photomicrograph of a basic multicellular unit

A group of osteoclasts with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive red granules erodes through a trabecula in murine vertebral cancellous bone. Pale yellow erythrocytes are seen in the blood vessels that transported the osteoclast precursors to the erosion cavity. Trailing behind the osteoclasts, teams of teal-colored osteoblasts forming new bone are bringing up the rear. Teal-colored osteocytes buried individually in the mineralized matrix (beige) are seen above and below the BMU.