Mesenchymal cell invasion contributes to cartilage growth. The current study investigates mesenchymal cells during the initial stages of cartilage development. Mesenchymal cell invasion was detected during stages of mesenchymal condensation, the cartilage primordia upon differentiation of the pre-chondrocytes as well as fully differentiated chondrocytes. Mesenchymal cells located at multiple sites in cartilage primordia of wide surface area with the progression of age. The mesenchymal invasion was identified in cartilage primordia of the prospective body of the basioccipital bone, basipterygoid processes of the basioccipital bone, the optic process of the quadrate bone and cartilage primordia of the dentary, frontal bone, and the sternum. In conclusion, the invasive phenomenon of mesenchymal cells is not only limited to cartilage growth but also associated with early cartilage development.
Key words: Mesenchymal cell invasion, Japanese quail, cartilage growth
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