Home / Summaries / Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology, Global Edition / bone-ossification-cartilage

Bones and bone structure - Bones form through ossification and enlarge through interstitial and appositional growth

6 important questions on Bones and bone structure - Bones form through ossification and enlarge through interstitial and appositional growth

What is calcification? When does it take place?

Calcification is the deposition of calcium salts. It takes place during ossification.

What is endochrondral ossification?

Endochondral ossification means that bone replaces existing cartilage. Then bone growth occurs through interstitial growth (in length) and appositional growth (in width).

What are the three major sets of blood vessels that develop in a typical bone (such as the humerus)?

The nutrient artery and vein
Metaphyseal vessels
Preiosteal vessels

In endochondral ossification, what is the original source of osteoblasts?

In endochondral ossification, cells of the inner layer of the perichondrium differentiate into osteoblasts, and a cartilage model is gradually replaced by bone.

During intramembranous ossification, which type of tissue is replaced by bone?

During intramembranous ossification, fibrous connective tissue is replaced by bone.

How could X-rays of the femur be used to determine whether a person has reached full height?

Long bones of the body, such as the femur, have an epiphyseal cartilage, a plate of cartilage that separates the epiphysis from the diaphysis so long as the bone is still growing lengthwise. An X-ray would indicate whether the epiphyseal cartilage is still present. If it is, growth is still occurring. If it is not, the bone has reached its adult length and, thus, the person has reached full length.