Final answer:
Following intramembranous or endochondral ossification, bones continue to grow and remodel throughout an individual's life. Bone growth predominantly occurs up to approximately age 25, beyond which ossification mainly contributes to bone repair and remodeling.
Step-by-step explanation:
After bones have developed via intramembranous or endochondral ossification, the process of bone growth and remodeling continues throughout a person's life. Intramembranous ossification is the process where bone develops directly from fibrous membranes, playing a key role in the formation of flat bones such as those of the skull, mandible, and clavicles. In contrast, endochondral ossification is where bone develops by replacing hyaline cartilage, a process that is critical for the formation of long bones and bones at the base of the skull.
Throughout childhood and adolescence, bones continue to grow in length and thickness. Bone growth continues until approximately age 25, with the last bones to ossify via intramembranous ossification being the flat bones of the face. After the age of 25, the role of ossification shifts predominantly to bone remodeling and repair, which are ongoing processes that can happen throughout an individual's life. This involves bone deposition by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts, ensuring that the skeletal structure remains strong and functional.