Why Is Appositional Growth Important?

Appositional growth allows bones to grow in diameter. Remodeling occurs as bone is resorbed and replaced by new bone.

Why does Appositional growth occur?

Appositional growth is the second type of growth which increases the bone width or diameter. This growth occurs as a result of depositing new bone tissue on the endosteal and periosteal surfaces. Therefore, new layers are formed on the surface of pre-existing bones, increasing the thickness of the bone.

What does Appositional growth require?

In order to accommodate for increases in length, bones also need to increase in thickness. This type of growth, called appositional growth, happens when osteoblasts in the periosteum deposit new bone matrix layers onto already-formed layers of the outer surface of bone.