Final answer:
The process of interstitial growth of cartilage involves the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into chondrocytes, development of the cartilage model and perichondrium, penetration by capillaries, formation of the periosteal collar, development of primary and secondary ossification centers, and the maintenance of cartilage at the epiphyseal plate for growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Interstitial Growth of Cartilage
The interstitial growth of cartilage is crucial for the elongation of long bones during the development of the skeletal system. This process is a series of steps that result in the formation of mature bone through endochondral ossification. This multistep process comprises:
Mesenchymal cells differentiate into chondrocytes.
The cartilage model of the future bony skeleton and the perichondrium form.
Capillaries penetrate the cartilage, triggering the transformation of perichondrium into periosteum.
Periosteal collar of compact bone forms around the diaphysis as osteoblasts begin to lay down bone matrix.
The primary ossification center develops within the periosteal collar.
Secondary ossification centers develop in the epiphyses.
Chondrocytes and cartilage continue to grow at the ends of the bone.
Cartilage remains at the epiphyseal (growth) plate for continued growth and at the joint surface as articular cartilage.
It's important to note that this list is not in descriptive order, but rather in numerical order for clarity. The exact sequence of developmental events is given in the individual step descriptions. The process of endochondral ossification progressively converts hyaline cartilage into bone, and this continues throughout childhood and adolescence, allowing bones to grow in length.