Where Does Cartilage Grow

Bones grow in length at the epiphyseal plate by a process that is similar to endochondral ossification. The cartilage in the region of the epiphyseal plate next to the epiphysis continues to grow by mitosis. The chondrocytes, in the region next to the diaphysis, age and degenerate.

How does cartilage grow?

Cartilage can grow in two ways: Interstitial growth – chondrocytes grow and divide and lay down more matrix inside the existing cartilage. … Appositional growth – new surface layers of matrix are added to the pre-existing matrix by new chondroblasts from the perichondrium.

What is appositional cartilage growth?

Appositional growth occurs when chondroblasts secrete new matrix along existing surfaces and this causes the cartilage to expand and widen. In interstitial growth, chondrocytes secrete new matrix within the cartilage and this causes it to grow in length.