This is a summery and review aimed at proposing a more consistent interpretation of the matrix vesicle calcification including the current views of the process of overall biological calcification. In this review, I focused on the ultrastructural characteristics of matrix vesicles in various calcifying tissues, and special attention was paid to the recent electron microscopic studies of anhydrously prepared tissues which confirm the assertion that matrix vesicles are the initial sites of biological calcification in various calcified tissues. Then I introduced the pertinent data ralated to the cytochemistry and biochemistry, especially data related to the phosphatases, phopholipids, protein-polysaccharides and another proteins. I synthesized a scheme describing how biological calcification be regulated by the cells during calcified tissue formation mediated by matrix vesicles. That is, skeletal tissue cells control calcification, not only regulating and formation of the organic matrix but also by secreting matrix vesicles at the exact site where calcification will be initiated.
The major theories of matrix vesicle biogenesis, budding from plasma membrane, cell degeneration, exocytotic secretion and subunit self-assembly theory, were also introduced.
Finally, I discussed on the subsequential calcification, that is growth hydroxyapatite crystals being a continuation by direct extention, and secondary nucleation from previously formed seam of calcified tissues.