Ossify

Ossification is the process of bone formation, in which connective tissues, such as cartilage are converted into bone or bone-like tissue. The ossified tissue is invaginated with blood vessels. These blood vessels bring minerals like calcium and deposit it into the ossifying tissue.

Types of Ossification

There are two types of ossification: Endochondral ossification and Intramembranous ossification.

Endochondral Ossification

Endochondral ossification is the process by which the embryonic cartilaginous model of most bones contributes to longitudinal growth and is gradually replaced by bone. During endochondral ossification, chondrocytes proliferate, hypertrophy and die; a periosteal bud invades the cavity left by the chondrocytes and induces formation of woven bone. This woven bone is then replaced by lamellar bone.

Intramembranous Ossification

Intramembranous ossification involves the formation of bone from fibrous membranes. It occurs during formation of the flat bones of the skull and most of the facial bones.

Pathology

Abnormalities or injuries to the process of ossification can lead to a number of diseases, including Osteoporosis and Rickets.

See Also

• Bone
• Bone marrow
• Cartilage
• Osteoblast
• Osteoclast
• Osteocyte

References

Ossify Resources
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