Question

Which of the following statements best describes interstitial growth?

A) Growth occurs in the lining of the long bones.
B) Fibroblasts give rise to chondrocytes that differentiate and form cartilage.
C) Unspecialized cells from mesenchyme develop into chondrocytes

Answer 1

The statement that best describes interstitial growth is Unspecialized cells from mesenchyme develop into chondrocytes. Interstitial growth occurs at the epiphyseal plate, where chondrocytes divide and mature to lengthen the bone. The option (C) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that best describes interstitial growth is Unspecialized cells from mesenchyme develop into chondrocytes.

Interstitial growth is the process by which long bones continue to lengthen. It occurs at the epiphyseal plate, a layer of hyaline cartilage where bone growth takes place. In interstitial growth, unspecialized cells called mesenchymal cells differentiate into chondrocytes, which are responsible for the formation of cartilage.

For example, in the proliferative zone of the epiphyseal plate, chondrocytes divide through mitosis to replace the dying cells. This division and maturation of chondrocytes result in the longitudinal growth of the bone. Therefore, option (C) is correct.