Craniofacial Intramembranous Bone Development and Regeneration

• Published in: Stem Cells in Craniofacial Development and Regeneration pp. 51 - 69
• Main Authors: Rice, David P, Rice, Ritva
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, NJ, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 22.03.2013
• Subjects: craniofacial intramembranous bone; intramembranous bone growth; intramembranous bone regeneration; osteoblast; osteoclast; resorption; suture formation
• ISBN: 1118279239; 9781118279236
• DOI: 10.1002/9781118498026.ch3

This chapter concentrates on the majority of the bones of the face and calvaria formed by intramembranous ossification. Although the chapter focuses on cellular differentiation and function during intramembranous osteogenesis, it is remembered that the final product consists not only of cells but also canaliculi, vessels, nerves, and, primarily, mineralized extracellular matrix. The majority of the bones of the middle and upper parts of the face grow at the sutures, by surface remodeling, apposition, and resorption. This chapter introduces the subject of craniofacial bone regeneration and emphasizes the direct link between intramembranous bone development and bone regeneration. It is therefore important to understand the gene networks regulating osteoblast and osteoclast function, together with those regulating stem cell differentiation. Detailed understanding of the characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and how they interact with various scaffolds is key to the utilization of their potential.