In which location does interstitial growth occur?

In which location does interstitial growth occur?

• A. Periosteum
• B. Diaphysis
• C. Medullary cavity
• D. Epiphyseal growth plates

Answer: (D)

Interstitial growth lengthens bone by adding new cartilage from within the tissue itself. This happens in the epiphyseal growth plates, the cartilage regions between the epiphysis (the ends) and the diaphysis (the shaft) of long bones. Chondrocytes within these plates divide and stack in columns, expanding the cartilage and pushing the ends apart to lengthen the bone. Later, the cartilage is replaced by bone as the plate ossifies, closing with maturity. The periosteum handles growth on the bone’s outer surface (appositional growth), while the diaphysis is the shaft and the medullary cavity is the hollow interior; these areas relate to other aspects of bone structure and growth.

Interstitial growth lengthens bone by adding new cartilage from within the tissue itself. This happens in the epiphyseal growth plates, the cartilage regions between the epiphysis (the ends) and the diaphysis (the shaft) of long bones. Chondrocytes within these plates divide and stack in columns, expanding the cartilage and pushing the ends apart to lengthen the bone. Later, the cartilage is replaced by bone as the plate ossifies, closing with maturity. The periosteum handles growth on the bone’s outer surface (appositional growth), while the diaphysis is the shaft and the medullary cavity is the hollow interior; these areas relate to other aspects of bone structure and growth.