Achondroplasia is the most common form of dwarfism. A person with this condition will have short arms and legs but a normal sized head and trunk. Achondroplasia literally means 'without cartilage formation'. Why would a disorder that affects cartilage formation lead to dwarfism?

• A. Cartilage is more prevalent in the limbs as there are more articulating joints in the arms and legs.
• B. Long bones grow in length at the epiphyseal plate, which is composed of cartilage until puberty.
• C. Long bones are covered with articular cartilage at joints. A lack of cartilage at the joint would inhibit growth.
• D. Without cartilage, the medullary cavity would not form properly shortening the diaphysis.