RESEARCH: How does bone grow and develop? ( Interstitial vs Appositional growth)

Bone Growth and Development
Name
Institution
Background
The interstitial growth of bones results from the increase in the length of bones. This process occurs in the epiphyseal plate. This plate can be divided into two sides namely the diaphyseal side, which is close to the diaphysis, and the epiphyseal side, which is close to the epiphysis. The epiphyseal side is characterized by active hyaline cartilage cells that continuously divide and produce the hyaline cartilage matrix (Rauch, 2005). On the diaphyseal side, the cartilage calcifies and dies before being replaced by the bone. As the cartilage keeps on growing, the structure also elongates as it is turned into bone. The epiphyseal plate is composed of five different zones of cell activity. First, the reserve zone, which is composed of small chondrocytes within its matrix and is used to protect the epiphyseal plate to the overlying epiphysis osseous tissue. Second, the proliferative zone, whereby the dead chondrocytes are replaced through the process of mitosis. Third, the zone of hypertrophy and maturation, where bone elongation and maturation occur. Fourth, the zone of a calcified matrix is characterized by dead and calcified chondrocytes. At this stage, the bone increases in length as a result of the addition of the osseous tissue to the diaphysis. Last, the epiphyseal line, which marks the end of bone proliferation (occurs during the early adulthood stage).
Just as they increase in length, the bones also grow in width and sometimes this growth can persist even after the completion of longitudinal growth in the process known as appositional growth.

This growth occurs at the periosteum or endosteum whereby the osteoclasts resorb worn-out bone which covers the medullary cavity, whereas the osteoblasts generate new bone tissues (Rauch, 2005). Recent studies have shown that the wasting away of old bone which covers the medullary cavity and new bone deposition under the periosteum leads to the increase in the medullary cavity and diaphysis diameters.
Mnemonics can be used to help make learners understand the difference between the appositional bone growth processes. For example, osteoClasts (carve out bone) and osteoBlasts (build bone). Emphasize the C and B on both words.
One can also use mnemonics to aid in the retention, remembering, and recalling the process of interstitial bone formation. For example:
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Resting zone
Proliferative zone
Hypertrophic zone
Calcified cartilage zone
Ossification zone
The whole of this topic is essential as it helps us understand the process of bone growth and development, which explains human growth and well as bone regeneration after fractures. Mnemonics help in clarifying the concepts to the learners by simplifying the two critical bone formation, growth, and development processes.
Reference
Rauch, F. (2005). Bone growth in length and width: The Yin and Yang of bone stability. Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions, 5(3), 194.