ossification vs calcification

In discussing mineralization, many radiology textbooks use the term calcification and make no mention of ossification.

• ossification
  • is a process of laying down new bone material; it is synonymous with bone tissue formation.
  • Therefore, in many cases, one can differentiate between cortical and cancellous bone (in the latter one may identify fatty marrow).
  • Bone may form in any region where there are fibroblasts, an excess of calcium and an adequate blood supply.

• calcification
  • is the process in which calcium salts build up in soft tissue, causing it to harden.
  • calcifications may be classified on whether there is mineral balance or not, and the location of the calcification.
  • pathological calcification is observed in any mesenchymatous tissue of low metabolism when the vascularity is further reduced by the fibrosis of trauma or infection.
  • calcifications usually have a more amorphous appearance than the more structured ossifications

Siehe auch:

• Ossifikationen der Falx
• Falxverkalkungen