The Ultrastructure of Osteogenesis in Distal Extremity of the Distal Phalanges of Human Fetus

Fine structure of the processes of intramembranous ossification and endochondral ossification at the tip of the distal phalanx of human fetuses was studied by electron microscopy. In 50 mm fetus, intramembranous ossification of the tip of cartilaginous phalanx was first noted. The osteoblasts of the perichondral zone of tip of cartilaginous phalanx started to lay down a thick membranous bony lamella. Most of the hypertrophied chondrocytes in the marginal parts of tip of the distal phalanx remained viable after being embeded in mineralized cartilaginous septa. The tuberosity of the distal phalanx was formed by membranous bony trabeculae on the exterior of the subperiosteal cap at 80 mm fetus. At this stage endochondral ossification was first observed in distal extremity of the distal phalanx. The maority of hypertrophied chondrocytes in the center of distal extremity appeared to be disintegrating. Resorption of calcified matrix was undertaken by perivascular cells and chondroclasts. From the periosteum, zone of calcification, vascular sprouts expanded within a recently opened lacunae, and the invading osteoblasts laid down osteoid and bone. After 120 mm fetus, endochondral and subperiosteal ossification proceeded in only one direction, just proximally. These findings demonstrate that intramembranous ossification, calcification, and endochondral ossification start at tip of the distal phalanx instead of at the center of the shaft, as was the case in other long bones.