Bone Growth · Histology

What happens to chondrocytes in the 'Zone of Hypertrophy'?

  1. They enlarge and secrete alkaline phosphatase.
  2. They stop dividing and begin to shrink.
  3. They differentiate into osteoblasts.
  4. They actively migrate into the developing marrow cavity.
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Correct answer: They enlarge and secrete alkaline phosphatase.

In the zone of hypertrophy, chondrocytes cease dividing and swell greatly. They also secrete alkaline phosphatase, which helps initiate calcification of the surrounding matrix. This enlargement compresses the matrix into thin spicules, preparing it for subsequent replacement by bone.

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