Bone Development: Growth of Long Bone
Endochondral bone formation, such as occurs in formation of long bones, involves the combination of the two processes of ossification. As mentioned previously, a growing long bone consists of two ends or epiphyses, a funnel-shaped region or metaphysis where cartilage is being replaced by advancing bone, and a cylindrical shaft or diaphysis. For a growing long bone to reach adult stature, the following development processes must occur:
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Growth in length of long bones: This is achieved by continuous interstitial growth of the epiphyseal cartilage.
- Heightening and remodeling of the metaphysis: The metaphysis is shaped like a funnel, whose mouth is closed by the epiphyseal disk. Its heightening and remodeling are achieved by a series of events that take place simultaneously at its mouth, mid-portion and inferior half.
- Widening of the diaphysis: This is achieved by the deposition of new periosteal bone and the simultaneous resorption of bone on the endosteal surface.
Questions
- What is the significance of these Volkmann's canals?
- What structures are found within Haversian canals?
- Is the osseous lamella adjacent to the Haversian canal the youngest or the oldest lamella of a particular osteon?
- What is responsible for the intense basophilia of osteoblasts?
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