How do bones grow in length and width?

Answer 1

Bones grow in length through a process called endochondral ossification, where cartilage is gradually replaced by bone tissue at the growth plates (epiphyseal plates) located at both ends of long bones. In width, bones grow through appositional growth, where osteoblasts on the outer surface of the bone deposit new bone tissue, while osteoclasts on the inner surface resorb bone, allowing the bone to increase in diameter. This dual process ensures that bones can support increased loads and maintain structural integrity as the body grows.