Other Definitions
ossification (dict)
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OssificationOssification is the process of bone formation, in which connective tissues, such as cartilage are turned to bone or bone-like tissue. The ossified tissue is invaginated with blood vessels. These blood vessels bring minerals like calcium and deposit it in the ossifying tissue. It is thought that this process led to bone as a structural element in vertebrates. Minerals were deposited in cartilage, which was used for storage. Bone was thus an exaptation from the ossified cartilage.
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