Intramembranous Ossification: The Process Of Mesenchymal Cells

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Intramembranous ossification is the process in which the flat bones of the cranium ad clavicles are made. This type of ossification is broken up into several different steps. In each of these steps, there are various types of cells that do unique things to aid in ossification. All of these different cells stem from one cell known as a Mesenchymal cell. This cell is a type of stem cell that can differentiate into all of the different connective tissue cells. Differentiation is a characteristic of these cells that allows them to transform into various cells during the growth process; this is aided by methylation. Methylation aids differentiation because it shuts down specific genes in the cells DNA which changes the shape and function and …show more content…

An osteoblast is a “baby” bone cell whose main job is to secrete osteoid which forms the hardened, or calcified, bone matrix. Osteocytes are formed from osteoblasts. Osteocytes are the mature bones cells that have been completely differentiated. They are found in the lacunae of hard bone and have a spider-like appearance due to their canaliculi. Osteoclasts are a different type of cell formed from the mesenchymal cells. These cells are not related to osteoblasts or osteocytes. Their job is to basically “eat” the bone to create cavities and other hallow spaces during bone remodeling. Finally, the cells form differentiate to form fibroblasts and fibrocytes. These fibroblasts and fibrocytes secrete and form the matrix for fibrous connective tissue which is an essential component of the …show more content…

As the matrix hardens, it forms lamella, a tube of the solidified bone matrix, which forms the lamellar bone. Essentially, lamellar bone is lamellae with collagen fibers surrounding each lamella. It is important to know that collagen fibers on one layer, run parallel to the collagen fibers on another layer. For this reason, lamellar bone is very tough. The lamellar bone is located on both sides of the spongy bone and thickens around the trabeculae. The blood vessels are still situated within the spongy bone and form the red marrow. If a lamellae form around a blood vessel, it creates an osteon with a central canal where the blood vessel is

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