What is the Fate of the Chondrocytes That are Present

Question

What is the fate of the chondrocytes that are present where bone is forming?
A) They move to a different region where bone has not yet formed.
B) They die and disintegrate, leaving cavities within the cartilage.
C) They remain within the bone matrix.
D) They line the central canals of the growing bone.
E) None of the answers are correct.

Accepted Answer

Chondrocytes are responsible for producing cartilage, which is later replaced by bone tissue during endochondral ossification. As the bone forms, the chondrocytes die and disintegrate, leaving cavities within the cartilage. These cavities are later filled with osteoblasts, which produce bone tissue. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer. The other options are incorrect as they either do not reflect the fate of chondrocytes during bone formation or are not supported by scientific evidence.