How Do Hormones Regulate the Pattern of Bone Growth

Question

How do hormones regulate the pattern of bone growth?
A) They don't; hormones are not involved in bone growth processes.
B) They change the rates of osteoblast and osteoclast activity.
C) They control the rate of movement of the epiphyseal line.
D) They ensure that intramembranous ossification occurs throughout life.
E) None of the answers are correct.

Accepted Answer

Hormones such as growth hormone, thyroid hormone, and sex hormones can influence the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, leading to changes in bone growth patterns. For example, growth hormone stimulates the proliferation of chondrocytes in the growth plate, which eventually leads to bone formation. Sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone also have an effect on bone growth by promoting osteoblast activity and suppressing osteoclast activity.