An osteocyte, a star-shaped cell, is the most abundant cell found in bone. Once osteoblasts become trapped in the matrix they secrete, they become osteocytes. Osteocytes are networked to each other via long processes called canaliculi, which are used for exchange of nutrients and waste. The space that an osteocyte occupies is called a lacunae (Latin for a pit). Their main function involves maintaining the bone tissue.