Endodontics · single question

Endochondral bone growth occurs in all of the following bones EXCEPT:

  1. Sphenoid
  2. Ethmoid
  3. Maxilla
  4. Mandible (condylar cartilage)
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Correct answer: C. Maxilla

The maxilla is a membrane (intramembranous) bone — it develops directly from neural crest-derived mesenchyme by intramembranous ossification without a cartilaginous precursor. Endochondral ossification (bone formed by replacing cartilage) occurs in: the mandibular condyle (secondary cartilage grows endochondrally), the sphenoid body (basisphenoid, presphenoid), and the ethmoid (entirely endochondral). The mandibular body also develops primarily by intramembranous ossification, but the condylar process undergoes endochondral growth. The maxilla undergoes sutural and periosteal growth exclusively by intramembranous ossification.

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