Main description:

For the first time, this book offers a critical review of the calcification process of the organic and inorganic phases of mineralized tissues focusing on the earliest phases. It includes a methodological chapter which provides the necessary practical information for making appropriate choices. The book is set to become an important reference source for the shelves of bone densitometry labs across the world.

Contents:

Historical Notes.- Methodology.- The Nature and Composition of the Inorganic Phase.- The Shape of Inorganic Particles.- The Size of Inorganic Particles.- Calcifying Matrices: Bone and Tendons.- Calcifying Matrices: Dentin and Cementum.- Calcifying Matrices: Cartilage.- Calcifying Matrices: Enamel.- Calcifying Matrices: Lower Vertebrates.- Calcifying Matrices: Invertebrates.- Calcifying Matrices: Non-skeletal Structures.- Calcifying Matrices: Pathological Calcifications.- Calcifying Matrices: Acquired or Experimental Diseases; Heritable Disorders; Genetically Modified Animals.- The Organic-inorganic Relationships in Calcifying Matrices.- Main Suggested Calcification Mechanisms: Cells.- Main Suggested Calcification Mechanisms: Extracellular Matrix.- Conclusions.