Endochondral Ossification Steps Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What occurs in Step 1 of Endochondral Ossification?

Epiphysis centers calcify

Osteoclasts create medullary cavity

Blood vessels grow into perichondrium; cells convert to osteoblasts

Cartilage enlarges; Chondrocytes die (correct)

What happens in Step 2 of Endochondral Ossification?

More blood supply and osteoblasts produced spongy bone

Cartilage enlarges; Chondrocytes die

Epiphysis filled with spongy bone

Blood vessels grow into the perichondrium and cells convert to osteoblasts (correct)

What characterizes Step 3 of Endochondral Ossification?

Cartilage remains at joints

Osteoclasts create the medullary cavity

Epiphysis centers calcify

More blood supply and osteoblasts produce spongy bone (correct)

What happens during Step 4 of Endochondral Ossification?

Osteoclasts create the medullary cavity Signup and view all the answers

What defines Step 5 of Endochondral Ossification?

Epiphysis centers calcify; blood and osteoblasts move in Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in Step 6 of Endochondral Ossification?

Cartilage remains at joints; epiphyseal plate in metaphysis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Steps of Endochondral Ossification

Step 1: Cartilage undergoes enlargement; Chondrocytes, the cells within cartilage, undergo apoptosis (die off).
Step 2: Blood vessels penetrate the perichondrium (tissue surrounding cartilage); mesenchymal cells differentiate into osteoblasts, leading to the development of a bony layer around the shaft.
Step 3: Increased blood supply and osteoblast activity lead to the production of spongy bone; this formation expands along the shaft of the developing bone.
Step 4: Osteoclasts (cells that break down bone) create the medullary cavity (internal cavity of the bone); this process is accompanied by appositional growth, thickening the bone.
Step 5: Centers of ossification develop in the epiphysis (end parts of the bone) leading to calcification; migration of blood vessels and osteoblasts occurs, establishing secondary ossification centers.
Step 6: The epiphysis is filled with spongy bone; hyaline cartilage is retained at the joints; an epiphyseal plate (growth plate) remains in the metaphysis, allowing for further lengthening of the bone during growth.

Description

Explore the six critical steps of endochondral ossification through these flashcards. Each step outlines vital processes involved in the transformation of cartilage into bone, essential for understanding skeletal development. Perfect for students of anatomy and physiology.