What is the process called where cartilage is replaced by bone?

The process where cartilage is replaced by bone is known as ossification. This is a crucial biological process that occurs during the development of the skeletal system. Ossification involves the transformation of cartilage into bone tissue, allowing the formation of a strong and supportive skeletal structure. This process primarily occurs during fetal development and continues in early childhood as the bones grow and mature.

Ossification is essential for ensuring that the bones are properly structured and capable of supporting the body. The types of ossification include intramembranous ossification, which forms flat bones like the skull, and endochondral ossification, which primarily involves the replacement of hyaline cartilage with bone.

In contrast, osteogenesis refers broadly to the formation of bone, but not exclusively through the replacement of cartilage. Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and reshaping bones, while osteopathy is a branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, particularly through manipulation of the musculoskeletal system. Thus, ossification specifically denotes the cartilage-to-bone conversion process, making it the accurate term for this context.