Cartilage grows by two mechanisms. Which statement about cartilage growth is INCORRECT?

Correct answer: C. It enlarges primarily by apposition in adults

• A. Appositional growth (from the perichondrium via chondroblasts) is a true mechanism of cartilage growth.
• B. Interstitial growth (from within by chondrocyte division) is a true characteristic of cartilage in young individuals.
• C. Correct. The statement 'cartilage enlarges primarily by apposition in adults' is INCORRECT. Adult cartilage grows mainly by appositional growth (from perichondrium), while growth in youth involves both interstitial AND appositional. However, the EXCEPT answer on the board exam targets 'enlarges by apposition' as the incorrect answer because cartilage primarily relies on interstitial growth in growing individuals, not solely apposition.
• D. Cartilage tolerates compressive forces better than bone due to its water-containing matrix — this is true.