It's a famous fact that bones begin as cartilage and later become bone, but I never was clear how exactly this changeover occurs. Could someone please explain this to me?
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4$\begingroup$ What research have you done? What exactly you are unable to understand? Show your efforts. $\endgroup$– JM97Commented Apr 12, 2017 at 15:11
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$\begingroup$ Homework questions are off-topic on Biology unless you have shown your attempt at an answer. For more information see our homework policy. $\endgroup$– Tyto albaCommented Apr 14, 2017 at 11:34
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$\begingroup$ FYI: Why is cartilage replaced by bones in an vertebrae adult? $\endgroup$– Franck DernoncourtCommented Jun 21, 2019 at 9:29
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1 Answer
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The process is called endochondral ossification.
It is important to point out that not all bone is derived from cartilage. For example, when a bone is fractured and is healing, the new bone does not always come from cartilage, rather intramembranous ossification occurs. There are therefore multiple mechanisms at a microscopic level by which bone may form. Additionally, bone formation in the long bones is different to that in, for example, the flat bones of the skull.
