Final answer:
Endochondral ossification is the transition from cartilage to bone, with the correct sequence being chondrocytes' proliferation, hypertrophy, matrix calcification, vascular invasion, and primary ossification center formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Endochondral ossification is a multi-step process that involves the transformation of cartilage into bone. The correct sequence of these steps is as follows:
Proliferation of chondrocytes, where cells divide rapidly.
Hypertrophy of chondrocytes, where cells increase in size.
Calcification of cartilage matrix, where the cartilage begins to harden.
Invasion of blood vessels, which bring in cells that help form bone.
Formation of primary ossification center, where bone development starts.
These steps illustrate how a template of hyaline cartilage is methodically replaced by bone tissue during the growth and development of long bones.
The chondrocytes first grow and multiply, then enlarge, and finally, the matrix around them begins to calcify. As the process progresses, the blood vessels invade the area, and the primary ossification center forms. Over time, this will lead to the formation of mature bone.