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center of ossification

 - 2 dictionary results
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: center of ossification
Function: noun
: a point within a developing bone at which ossification begins within the preexistent cartilaginous matrix
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

center of ossification n.

  1. The site where bone begins to form in a specific bone or part of bone as a result of the accumulation of osteoblasts in the connective tissue.

  2. The site where bone begins to form in the shaft of a long bone or the body of an irregular bone; primary ossification center.

  3. The site where bone formation continues after beginning in the long shaft or body of the bone, usually in an epiphysis; secondary ossification center.

  4. The site of earliest destruction of cartilage prior to bone formation; ossific center.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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