ossification

• ossification is the formation of cartilage to bones as you grow. babies start off as mainly cartilage. as they age, bones are developed
• cells that build new bones are called osteoblasts. Osteoblasts add calcium to the bone to make it stronger.
• osteoclasts are specialised cells that clear away old bone and calcium allowing the bone to grow/ develop more.
• epiphyseal plates (growth plates) is where the growth of the bone happens. Once growth is complete (when epiphyseal plates are all bone), the end of each bone fuses with the main shaft to create the epiphyseal line
• all bones get lighter as people age because the osteoblasts dont work as hard and are produced less.
• many older people suffer from osteoporosis where bones get so weak that they break easily
• weight bearing exercise helps keep osteoblasts working meaning your bone calcium store increases.