Anatomy & Histology · single question
All of the following are true about cartilage growth EXCEPT one. Which is the EXCEPTION?
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Correct answer: B. Length by appositional growth
Cartilage grows by two mechanisms: (1) Appositional growth — new cartilage is added to the surface by chondroblasts in the perichondrium; this INCREASES WIDTH. (2) Interstitial growth — mature chondrocytes within the cartilage divide and produce new matrix; this INCREASES LENGTH. The statement 'length by appositional growth' is FALSE — appositional growth increases WIDTH, not length. Length increase is by interstitial growth.
- A. INCORRECT (this IS true). Length in cartilage is increased by interstitial growth — chondrocytes within the matrix divide and produce new ground substance, pushing cells apart and increasing length.
- B. CORRECT (this is the EXCEPTION — this statement is FALSE). Appositional growth adds new cartilage at the PERIPHERY (surface) and increases WIDTH, not length. Length is increased by interstitial growth.
- C. INCORRECT (this IS true). Cartilage can resist compressive forces better than tensile forces; its water-rich matrix acts as a shock absorber.
- D. INCORRECT (this IS true). Endochondral ossification is the process by which cartilage is replaced by bone — cartilage can indeed 'turn into' bone during skeletal development and fracture healing.
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