Lengthwise, long bone growth during infancy and youth is exclusively through_________ .
A) calcification of the matrix of the zone underlying articular cartilage
B) the secretion of bone matrix into the medullary cavity
C) interstitial growth of the epiphyseal plates
D) differentiation of osteoclasts into osteocytes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Interstitial growth of the epiphyseal plates, also known as longitudinal growth, is the process by which long bones grow in length during infancy and youth. The epiphyseal plates are cartilage plates located near the ends of long bones that allow for interstitial growth. As new cartilage cells are formed on the epiphyseal side of the plate, older cartilage cells are replaced by bone tissue on the diaphyseal side, leading to lengthwise growth of the bone. Calcification of the matrix of the zone underlying articular cartilage (A) and secretion of bone matrix into the medullary cavity (B) are processes involved in bone growth and modeling, but not specifically in long bone growth during infancy and youth. Differentiation of osteoclasts into osteocytes (D) is not a relevant process in long bone growth.

Lengthwise, Long Bone Growth During Infancy and Youth Is Exclusively