Cartilage grows in two ways: appositional and interstitial. What is appositional growth?

• A. The expansion of cartilage from within by division of chondrocytes
• B. The breakdown of cartilage by osteoclasts
• C. The addition of new cartilage by chondroblasts on the surface of existing cartilage
• D. The replacement of cartilage with bone tissue

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the two types of cartilage growth: appositional and interstitial. Appositional growth involves the addition of new cartilage on the surface, while interstitial growth involves expansion from within.
2. Focus on appositional growth specifically. This process occurs when chondroblasts (cartilage-forming cells) deposit new matrix on the surface of existing cartilage.
3. Recognize that appositional growth is distinct from interstitial growth, which involves chondrocytes dividing and expanding cartilage internally.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: The breakdown of cartilage by osteoclasts refers to bone remodeling, not cartilage growth. The replacement of cartilage with bone tissue is a process called ossification, unrelated to appositional growth.
5. Conclude that appositional growth is defined as the addition of new cartilage by chondroblasts on the surface of existing cartilage.