Endochondral ossification involves the replacement of hyaline cartilage with bony tissue. Most of the bones of the skeleton are formed in this manner. These bones are called endochondral bones. In this process, the future bones are first formed as hyaline cartilage models.

What happens during endochondral bone formation?

During endochondral ossification, an avascular tissue (cartilage) is gradually converted into one of the most highly vascularized tissues in the vertebrate body (bone). This conversion is dependent upon an angiogenic switch along the growth plate.

How are Endochondral bones formed?

In endochondral ossification, bone develops by replacing hyaline cartilage. Activity in the epiphyseal plate enables bones to grow in length (this is interstitial growth). Appositional growth allows bones to grow in diameter. Remodeling occurs as bone is resorbed and replaced by new bone.