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
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