In this book, established biomedical researchers, developmental biologists, and clinical practitioners offer a cutting-edge survey of diverse critical issues in bone biology. Topics range from chondrogenesis, chondrocytes, and cartilage to skeletal dysmorphology, and include the control of skeletal development, osteoblastic cell differentiation, and bone induction, growth, remodeling, and mineralization. The authors focus on the biochemical, genetic, and molecular interactions that support the development and hemeostasis of the skeleton. Their state-of-the-art understanding of bone physiology - and how it is modified throughout all the stages of life - offers novel aproaches for improving the endurance of load-bearing implants, achieving life-long optimal bone strength, overcoming microgravity (space flight), and hastening the healing of fractures, osteotomies, and arthrodeses.