Ossification

, IGF) signalling.]] Ossification (or osteogenesis) is the process of laying down new bone material by cells called osteoblasts. It is synonymous with bone tissue formation. There are two processes resulting in the formation of normal, healthy bone tissue: Intramembranous ossification is the direct laying down of bone into the primitive connective tissue (mesenchyme), while endochondral ossification involves cartilage as a precursor. In fracture healing, endochondral osteogenesis is the most commonly occurring process, for example in fractures of long bones treated by plaster of Paris, whereas fractures treated by open reduction and stabilization by metal plate and screws may heal by intramembranous osteogenesis.

Heterotopic ossification is a process resulting in the formation of bone tissue that is often atypical, at an extraskeletal location. Calcification is often confused with ossification. Calcification is synonymous with the formation of calcium-based salts and crystals within cells and tissue. It is a process that occurs during ossification, but not vice versa.

The exact mechanisms by which bone development is triggered remains unclear, but it involves growth factors and cytokines in some way.

Timetable for human ossification

{| class="wikitable" |- ! Time period ! Bones affected However, other possibilities include bony tissue evolving as an osmotic barrier, or as a protective structure.

See also

Dystrophic calcification

Mechanostat, a model describing ossification and bone loss

Ossicone, the horn-like (or antler-like) protuberances on the heads of giraffes and related species

Osteogenesis imperfecta, a juvenile bone disease

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, an extremely rare genetic disease which causes fibrous tissue (muscle, tendon, ligament etc.) to ossify when damaged

References

Category:Animal physiology Category:Skeletal system *Ossification