Appositional growth requires which structure?

Appositional growth requires which structure?

• A. Endosteum
• B. Articular cartilage
• C. Perichondrium
• D. Marrow

Answer: (C)

Appositional growth thickens cartilage by adding new matrix at its surface, and that process requires the perichondrium. The inner layer of the perichondrium contains chondrogenic cells that become chondroblasts and lay down cartilage on the existing surface, expanding the tissue’s girth. Articular cartilage at joints usually lacks a perichondrium, so it doesn’t grow in thickness by this method. Endosteum lines the inner bone surfaces and is associated with bone remodeling, not cartilage apposition, and marrow sits inside bone cavities rather than contributing to surface cartilage growth.

Appositional growth thickens cartilage by adding new matrix at its surface, and that process requires the perichondrium. The inner layer of the perichondrium contains chondrogenic cells that become chondroblasts and lay down cartilage on the existing surface, expanding the tissue’s girth. Articular cartilage at joints usually lacks a perichondrium, so it doesn’t grow in thickness by this method. Endosteum lines the inner bone surfaces and is associated with bone remodeling, not cartilage apposition, and marrow sits inside bone cavities rather than contributing to surface cartilage growth.