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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Interstitial growth of the epiphyseal plates, also known as long bone growth plates, is the process by which long bones lengthen during infancy and youth. This involves the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes in the epiphyseal plates, leading to the secretion of new cartilage matrix and subsequent ossification, which lengthens the bone. Once the epiphyseal plate is fully ossified, long bones can no longer grow in length. The other options listed do not play a significant role in long bone growth during infancy and youth.

Lengthwise, Long Bone Growth During Infancy and Youth Is Exclusively