In embryogenesis, the skeletal system is derived from the mesoderm germ layer. Chondrification (also known as chondrogenesis) is the process by which cartilage is formed from condensed mesenchyme tissue, which differentiates into chondrocytes and begins secreting the molecules that form the extracellular matrix: rovolution.
Skeletal blast cells that express the Sox9 transcription factor, followed by continued expression of Sox5 and Sox6, develop into chondroblast precursors, while those that express Runx2, followed by osterix develop into osteogenic precursors.
The condroblastic differentiation is favored in regions under compressive forces and low pO2 because these downregulate BMP3, which normally inhibits cartilage differentiation.
Osteogenic differentiation is favored under neutral or mild, intermittent tensile forces and relatively high pO2, which leads to upregulation of BMP4. High tensile strength favors the formation of tendinous connective tissue.
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"Cartilage"
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