Stereological characteristics of the mesenchymal complex in the degenerative-osteogenic zone of the growth cartilage of the tibia of premature neonates.
The volume density of the so-called mesenchymal complex in the degenerative-osteogenic zone of growth cartilage from tibiae is determined by stereological methods. The mesenchymal complex in ossification includes several types of cells of mesenchymal origin (osteoblasts, osteoclasts, chondroclasts, vasothelial and haemopoetic cells) taking part in the processes of cartilage erosion, new formation, growth and shaping of bone tissue. The complex includes also capillary loops and other components of connective tissue located among the remnants of calcified cartilage matrix. In the degenerative-osteogenic zone of the proximal and distal growth cartilage of the tibia, the volume density decreases from the epiphysis to the diaphysis. From the peripheral to the central sections of the zones, there is almost no variation of volume density. The obtained data are related to the rates of the longitudinal growth of the tibia.
D001846:Bone Development; D006132:Growth Plate / Q000254:growth & development*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D010006:Osteoblasts; D010010:Osteoclasts; D010012:Osteogenesis; D013977:Tibia / Q000254:growth & development*