Bone formation, also known as ossification, is the process by which new bone tissue is created. This process begins in the embryo and continues throughout life, especially during growth and healing. There are two main types of ossification: intramembranous ossification, which forms flat bones like the skull, and endochondral ossification, which forms long bones such as the femur. During bone formation, specialized cells called osteoblasts produce a matrix that eventually hardens into bone. As the bone matures, osteocytes, which are mature bone cells, help maintain the bone structure. This dynamic process is essential for growth, repair, and maintaining the strength of the skeletal system.