Question

In intramembranous ossification, the process of apposititional growth refers to what?

1) Formation of new bone tissue by the differentiation of osteoblasts
2) Formation of new bone tissue by the proliferation of osteoblasts
3) Formation of new bone tissue by the fusion of osteoclasts
4) Formation of new bone tissue by the differentiation of osteoclasts

Answer 1

Appositional growth in intramembranous ossification refers to the increase in bone diameter through new bony tissue addition at the surface, involving osteoblasts secreting bone matrix.

Step-by-step explanation:

In intramembranous ossification, appositional growth refers to the process where bones increase in diameter thanks to the addition of new bone tissue on their surface. This growth is facilitated by osteoblasts, which are cells that secrete bone matrix and initiate the formation of new bone tissue.

As osteoblasts add new layers to the outer surface of bones, they differentiate into osteocytes, while osteoclasts resorb bone on the inner surfaces to maintain a balance and prevent the bones from becoming overly dense and heavy.