51. The physiology of bone and the control of growth
51. The physiology of bone and the control of growth
- Gillian Pocock, Gillian PocockSenior Lecturer in Clinical Science, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
- Christopher D. RichardsChristopher D. RichardsEmeritus Professor of Experimental Physiology, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- and David A. RichardsDavid A. RichardsAssociate Professor, Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, Maine, USA
Abstract
This chapter reviews how biological tissues are made up of cells. It explains how life begins as a single cell, the fertilized egg, from which all the diverse cell types of the body arise within a few weeks. It mentions differentiated cells that maintain their specialized character and pass it on to their progeny through the process of mitosis. Overall growth of the body involves an increase in size and weight of the body tissues with the deposition of additional protein. The chapter highlights the development that occurs through a series of coordinated qualitative changes that affect the complexity and function of body tissues. Growth and development are complex processes that are influenced a number of different factors, both genetic and environmental.
