This paper addresses bone tissue formation describing its structure and the cells that are in its origin. Bone formation, resorption and remodeling processes are discussed and briefly explained. A summary revision about the different methods to study bone tissue was made and different methods’ advantages and disadvantages were presented. The main objective of this work was to critically examine the protocol used for histomorphometric analysis with BioQuant software in our investigation group and to propose a new and optimized one in order to improve results quality, reduce analysis time and standardize protocols for bone regeneration studies. A secondary objective of this paper was to review every step from specimen collection to slide analysis using histomorphometry. The protocols used in our investigation group for slide preparation were presented. Bone histomorphometry was also extensively discussed throughout the paper.

Trabalho final do 5º ano com vista à atribuição do grau de mestre no âmbito do ciclo de estudos de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Dentária apresentado à Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra.