ossifikationscentre

Ossifikationscentre, in anatomy, are the sites within a developing skeleton where bone formation begins. They serve as landmarks for the growth and maturation of bones and can occur in cartilage, connective tissue, or membranous tissue. The pattern and timing of ossification centre appearance vary between bones and species.

There are two main types of ossifikationscentre: primary and secondary. The primary ossification centre forms first during endochondral ossification, typically in the diaphysis of long bones, and establishes the length of the bone. Secondary ossification centres appear later in the epiphyses and contribute to the bone’s articular surface and continued longitudinal growth. Growth in length is driven by the activity of the growth plate, a region of cartilage between the diaphysis and epiphysis.

Ossification can proceed through endochondral ossification, where a cartilage model is replaced by bone, or intramembranous ossification, where bone forms directly within mesenchymal tissue. Intramembranous centres are characteristic of many skull bones and certain facial bones, while endochondral ossification predominates in most other bones.

Clinically, the pattern and timing of ossifikationscentre are used to assess skeletal development, determine bone age, and evaluate growth disorders. Delayed or premature closure of growth-related centres can indicate endocrinopathies or constitutional growth variations. Radiographic evaluation of ossification centres aids in pediatric diagnosis and monitoring of skeletal maturation.