Bone mineralization

One of the unique and important aspects of the bone formation process is the biological mineralization of bone proteins to form a mineralized matrix.

Bone formation always starts with the deposition of osteoid, which subsequently mineralize. The osteoid tissue is mineralized in an orderly and controlled manner by the dispersion of mineral within this matrix. 

Woven bone is formed more rapidly than lamellar bone. The mineralization of woven bone is initiated by matrix vesicles, spherical, membrane-bound bodies with a diameter of 100-200 nm. They are pinched off from cytoplasmic osteoblast processes.

In osteomalacia and rickets the mineralization of the bone matrix or of the growth plate is disturbed.

Before longitudinal growth is concluded and before epiphyseal fusion has occurred, the abnormality mostly leads to rickets.

Osteomalacia is a disorder of adults characterized by inadequate mineralization of newly formed bone matrix. In bone mineralization it is clear that calcium and phosphate are required and calcium is a suitable surface for crystal nucleation. Bone mineralization requires a number of conditions:
*Adequate concentration of calcium and phosphate ions
*The presence of a calcifiable matrix
*A nucleating agent
*Control regulators such promoters and inhibitors
Bone mineralization