Endochondral bone

Endochondral bone is a type of bone that develops from cartilage. This process, known as endochondral ossification, is one of the two methods of bone formation in mammals, the other being intramembranous ossification.

Process of Endochondral Ossification

Endochondral ossification begins with points in the cartilage called "primary ossification centers." They are responsible for the formation of the diaphyses of long bones, short bones, and certain parts of irregular bones. The process includes the development of a cartilage model, growth of the cartilage model, development of the primary ossification center, development of the secondary ossification center, and formation of the articular cartilage and the epiphyseal plate.

Role in Growth

Endochondral bone plays a crucial role in the growth of mammals. The epiphyseal plate, or growth plate, is where new bone is formed in growing individuals. Once the individual has reached their adult height, the growth plates close and are replaced by an epiphyseal line.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in endochondral ossification can lead to various diseases and conditions. For example, achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, is caused by a mutation that affects endochondral ossification. Other conditions, such as osteogenesis imperfecta and fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, also involve disruptions in this process.

See Also

• Bone tissue
• Ossification
• Cartilage
• Bone development
• Bone remodeling