Module 3.2: Growth of Cartilage

Interstitial Growth

Occurs mostly during childhood and adolescent development and begins early in embryonic tissue; occurs as chondrocytes in the matrix grow and divide, the daughter cells then produce additional matrix, so this enlarges the cartilage from the inside

Appositional Growth

Also occurs during childhood and adolescent; new layers of cartilage are added on the cartilage surface as the inner layer of the perichondrium divides and grows.

Chondroblasts

Immature chondrocytes

In Adults

Appositional growth can occur in very unusual circumstances, such as to repair a minor surface cartilage injury; if the injury to cartilage is more severe, it will be replaced with fibrous tissue and the cartilage will not retain its original function