center of ossification

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.