Bone developmental physiology

Abstract

Ossification is a key stage of bone development and growth. This complex process combines cell–cell contacts, cell proliferation and apoptosis, cell migration and differentiation, vasculogenesis, matrix synthesis, and mineralization. The complete ossification of the skeleton is a very long process that begins as early as the first weeks of fetal development and ends at the end of growth, some 20 years later. The local molecular control of bone growth and development is summarized. Hormonal regulation and the effects of genetic mutations are beyond the scope of this review.