Question

During the early stages of endochondral ossification, which cells enlarge, then die and disintegrate?

Answer 1

The cells are called CHONDROCYCTES.
During the first stage of endochondrial ossification, the chondrocytes near the center of the bone shaft undergo a large increase in size. As the process progresses in this stage, the chondrocytes start to die out and disintegrate, thus leaving cavities in the spaces they had earlier occupied