Intramembranous ossification

Intramembranous ossification is one of the two essential processes during fetal development of the gnathostome (excluding chondrichthyans such as sharks) skeletal system by which rudimentary bone tissue is created. Intramembranous ossification is also an essential process during the natural healing of bone fractures[1] and the rudimentary formation of bones of the head.[2]

Transmission electron micrograph of a mesenchymal stem cell that is displaying typical ultrastructural characteristics.

Unlike endochondral ossification, which is the other process by which bone tissue is created during fetal development, cartilage is not present during intramembranous ossification.

  1. ^ Brighton, Carl T.; Robert M. Hunt (1991). "Early histological and ultrastructural changes in medullary fracture callus". Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 73-A (6): 832–847.
  2. ^ Netter, Frank H. (1987). Musculoskeletal system: anatomy, physiology, and metabolic disorders. Summit, New Jersey: Ciba-Geigy Corporation. p. 129. ISBN 0-914168-88-6.