Bone, development (LM, Medium)

Structure List Epiphyses Diaphysis Growth plates Periosteum Perichondrium Higher Magnification View

During development, the cartilage tissue is gradually replaced by bone tissue in a process called ENDOCHONDRAL OSSIFICATION. It begins with the transformation of the perichondrium into a bone-producing periosteum. As a result, the diaphysis becomes encased in compact bone. In the center of the long bone, the chondrocytes begin to break down and the cartilage becomes honeycombed. Vascular connective tissue invades the area from the periosteum, carrying with it bone-forming cells, or osteoblasts.