T. Clark Brelje, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Robert L. Sorenson, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Any view of a slide can be saved for later viewing in different ways.
Clipboard
The address of this view has been copied to your clipboard. This link can be pasted in any other program.
Bookmark
A bookmark link can be created using the bookmark function (Ctrl-D for Windows or Cmd-D for Mac) of your browser. Choose a name for the bookmark and select the folder in which you want it saved.
Endochondral bone formation occurs at the epiphyseal plate of long bones. It can be identified by the layer of basophilic hyaline cartilage.
Resting Zone - thin layer of non-dividing chondrocytes.
Proliferative Zone - rapidly dividing chondrocytes (basophilic) that organize into distinct columns ("stacks of coins").
Zone of Hypertrophy - chondrocytes (basophilic) cease dividing and grow in size. The cartilage matrix forms (lightly basophilic) linear bands between the columns of hypertrophied cells.
Zone of Calcification - the cartilage matrix becomes calcified inhibiting the diffusion of nutrients. The dying chondrocytes are removed leaving longitudinal spicules of calcified cartilage (intensely basophilic).
Zone of Ossification - osteoprogenitor cells migrate into the cavities with the new blood vessels. New bone (eosinophilic) forms on the scaffold of calcified cartilage (basophilic).
Osteoblasts - condense on the spicules of calcified cartilage and produce new bone (osteoid).
Osteoclasts (#1, #2 and #3) - large, multinucleated cells that remove bone tissue (both mineralized matrix and type I collagen).