Bone cells (osteocytes) are smaller than bone tissue. Here's why:

* Cells are the basic, fundamental units of life. They are microscopic and consist of various organelles working together.

* Tissues are groups of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function. Bone tissue is made up of many different types of cells, including osteocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and others, along with the extracellular matrix (minerals and collagen) that surrounds them.

Therefore, a bone cell is a single unit, while bone tissue is a collection of many cells and other components. The tissue is much larger and more complex than the individual cells that compose it.