The relationship between age, size and shape of mouse thoracic vertebrae: a scanning electron microscopic study.

Scanning electron microscopic studies of replicas of the first and second thoracic vertebrae of mice aged 25-60 days allow us to differentiate areas of bone deposition and resorption, the sites of areas of calcified cartilage and the attachments of ligaments. The main site of resorption throughout the period is beneath the neural arch, with other local areas of resorption occurring around the developing vertebral processes. The spinous process increases in size over the period, especially in T2. Results obtained in this way correlate well with an earlier morphometric study of the same bones.