Final answer:
Bone remodeling is the process of resorbing old bone and replacing it with new bone. This process occurs through the actions of osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Bones can grow in size during childhood due to the addition and resorption of bone. Bone remodeling also helps shape bones as a child grows and repairs flaws in the bone.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bone remodeling is the process in which bone tissue is constantly being resorbed and replaced with new bone. This process is carried out by specialized bone cells called osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Osteoclasts resorb bone, while osteoblasts lay down new bone.
During childhood, bones can grow in size due to the addition and resorption of bone. This growth is facilitated by the presence of cartilage in the skeleton. Once all the cartilage has been replaced by bone and fusion has occurred at epiphyseal plates, bones can no longer increase in length.
Bone remodeling also contributes to shaping the bones as a child grows and repairing flaws in the bone resulting from daily movements. Additionally, bone remodeling helps regulate mineral homeostasis by releasing or absorbing minerals from the blood.