ENDOCHONDRAL Meaning and
Definition
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Endochondral is an adjective that refers to a specific process in embryonic development or the growth of bone. Specifically, it pertains to the formation and development of bone tissue through a process known as endochondral ossification.
In endochondral ossification, bone tissue is generated from a pre-existing cartilaginous model. This process is crucial for the growth and remodeling of long bones, such as the femur or humerus, as well as for the development of other skeletal components like the vertebrae or ribs.
During endochondral ossification, specialized cells called chondrocytes within the cartilaginous model undergo a series of changes. The chondrocytes hypertrophy, or enlarge, and then die, leaving behind small cavities or lacunae. Blood vessels and osteoblasts, responsible for the synthesis of bone, invade these areas. Osteoblasts lay down the initial matrix of bone, which is eventually mineralized.
Through this process, the cartilage model is gradually replaced by bone tissue. Endochondral ossification is essential for the development of a strong skeleton, as it allows bones to grow in length and helps form the intricate network of bones that make up the human body.
In summary, endochondral refers to the process by which bones are formed through the replacement of a cartilaginous model with mineralized bone tissue. This process is vital for the growth, development, and remodeling of the skeletal system.
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Within a cartilage or cartilaginous tissue.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ENDOCHONDRAL
- wndochondral
- sndochondral
- dndochondral
- rndochondral
- 4ndochondral
- 3ndochondral
- ebdochondral
- emdochondral
- ejdochondral
- ehdochondral
- ensochondral
- enxochondral
- encochondral
- enfochondral
- enrochondral
- eneochondral
- endichondral
- endkchondral
- endlchondral
- Endochendral
Etymology of ENDOCHONDRAL
The word "endochondral" is derived from the combination of two Greek words, "en", meaning "within" or "inside", and "chondros", referring to "cartilage". The term is used in anatomy and biology to describe a process or structure that occurs or originates within cartilage.
Idioms with the word ENDOCHONDRAL
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