Vascular and nerve interactions

Adequate vascularization and innervation are required for proper bone development and homeostasis, and play important roles in bone health, repair of bone defects, and skeletal pain sensation in pathological conditions. Studies using genetically modified mice have started to shed light on the molecular regulation of the processes that drive blood vessel and nerve growth in the skeleton, particularly during endochondral bone development, growth, and remodeling. Prime roles in these processes are played by vascular endothelial growth factor and nerve growth factor, respectively. Here, we will summarize the current knowledge of the structure and regulation of the vascular and nerve compartments in bone and review their contributions to the controlled development, growth, maintenance, and repair of endochondral bones.