What is "cartilage grows in two ways?

Cartilage is a smooth, flexible, and tough connective tissue found in various parts of the body, such as the joints, ears, nose, and ribcage. It does not contain blood vessels, nerves, or cells that can repair themselves, making it more challenging for cartilage to regenerate compared to other tissues.

Cartilage growth occurs in two main ways: appositional growth and interstitial growth.

  1. Appositional growth: This type of growth involves the addition of new cartilage to the surface of existing cartilage. Chondrocytes, which are the specialized cells found in cartilage tissue, secrete new matrix at the outer edges of the existing cartilage, leading to its expansion. This process is responsible for the increase in the diameter or thickness of cartilage.

  2. Interstitial growth: Interstitial growth refers to the expansion of cartilage from within its own tissue. Chondrocytes within the cartilage divide and secrete new matrix, pushing apart the existing cells and matrix to allow for growth from within. This type of growth is responsible for the increase in the length of bones during childhood growth and for the repair of damaged cartilage.

Both types of growth are vital for maintaining the health and function of cartilage throughout the body. Proper nutrition, exercise, and avoiding excessive wear and tear on joints can help support healthy cartilage growth and maintenance. However, as cartilage has limited regenerative capacity, injuries or conditions that damage cartilage may require medical intervention, such as surgery or other treatments, to repair or replace the damaged tissue.