The thirteen chapters presented in this book summarize our current understanding of the development, biology, and evolution of the vertebrate skeleton. Written by experts in the field, chapters cover everything from the differentiation of chondrocytes, limb and craniofacial patterning, and the origins and evolution of bone to the genetics of human skeletal disease. It is a useful reference for scientists and clinicians wishing to learn how the skeleton is built and works.

1. Evolutionary Origin of Bone and Cartilage in Vertebrates K.G. Ota and S. Kuratani 2. Developmental Patterning of the Limb Skeleton K.L. Cooper and C.J. Tabin 3. Patterning and Differentiation of the Vertebrate Spine J. Chal and O. Pourquié 4. Craniofacial Patterning N.M. Le Douarin and S.E. Creuzet 5. Transcriptional Control of Chondrocyte Differentiation B. de Crombrugghe and H. Akiyama 6. Growth Factors and Chondrogenesis H.M. Kronenberg, A.P. McMahon, and C.J. Tabin 7. Transcriptional Control of Osteoblast Differentiation G. Karsenty 8. Role of Growth Factors in Bone Development and Differentiation S. Fujimori, D. Kostanova-Poliakova, and C. Hartmann 9. Cytokine and Growth Factor Regulation of Osteoclastogenesis H. Takayanagi 10. Bone Mineralization L.F. Bonewald, S.L. Dallas, and J.P. Gorski 11. Bone Remodeling: Cellular and Molecular Events T.J. Martin and N.A. Sims 12. Genetics of Human Skeletal Disease B.R. Olsen 13. Extracellular Matrix in the Skeleton F. Ramirez Index