During Appositional Growth of Cartilage,the Cells That Produce the Matrix

Question

During appositional growth of cartilage,the cells that produce the matrix are the
A)chondrocytes.
B)osteocytes.
C)fibroblasts.
D)chondroblasts.
E)osteoblasts.

Accepted Answer

During appositional growth of cartilage, the cells that produce the matrix are called chondroblasts. These cells are responsible for producing new cartilage tissue on the outer surface of existing cartilage. As they secrete extracellular matrix, they become surrounded by it and are then called chondrocytes. This gradual addition of new matrix and cells from the periphery results in the increase in size and thickness of the cartilage. Fibroblasts are cells that produce connective tissue fibers, and osteoblasts are cells that produce new bone tissue. Osteocytes are mature bone cells that maintain the existing bone tissue.