After endochondral ossification is complete, hyaline cartilage remains only in which locations?

After endochondral ossification is complete, hyaline cartilage remains only in which locations?

• A. Epiphyseal plates and articular cartilages
• B. Diaphysis
• C. Endosteum
• D. Periosteum

Answer: (A)

During endochondral ossification, most of the cartilage model is replaced by bone as the skeleton grows, but hyaline cartilage is left in two specific places. One is the articular cartilage that covers the ends of long bones within joints, providing a smooth, low-friction surface. The other is the epiphyseal growth plates located between the diaphysis and each epiphysis; these plates stay cartilage to allow bone elongation during development. As growth finishes, the growth plates ossify and become a bony epiphyseal line, so hyaline cartilage remains only at the articular surfaces in adulthood. The other structures listed—diaphysis, endosteum, and periosteum—are bone-related tissues or spaces around bone and do not retain hyaline cartilage.

During endochondral ossification, most of the cartilage model is replaced by bone as the skeleton grows, but hyaline cartilage is left in two specific places. One is the articular cartilage that covers the ends of long bones within joints, providing a smooth, low-friction surface. The other is the epiphyseal growth plates located between the diaphysis and each epiphysis; these plates stay cartilage to allow bone elongation during development. As growth finishes, the growth plates ossify and become a bony epiphyseal line, so hyaline cartilage remains only at the articular surfaces in adulthood. The other structures listed—diaphysis, endosteum, and periosteum—are bone-related tissues or spaces around bone and do not retain hyaline cartilage.