General anatomy and histology: cartilage growth: practice question

A Anatomy question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anatomy · General anatomy and histology: cartilage growth

Sample item

A section of growing hyaline cartilage shows clusters of chondrocytes in a single lacunar space derived from one parent cell. Which growth pattern do these clusters represent?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Interstitial growth by cell division within the matrix

Isogenous groups are small clusters of chondrocytes derived from one parent cell by mitosis within the lacuna. This interstitial growth expands cartilage from within and is mainly active in young cartilage.

Option by option

  • A. Appositional growth from the perichondrium

    This adds cartilage at the surface from perichondrial cells and does not create isogenous groups.

  • B. Hypertrophy of the perichondrial fibroblasts

    Perichondrial fibroblasts are not the source of chondrocyte clusters within the matrix.

  • C. Endochondral replacement by bone

    This is calcification and replacement by bone, not clustering of chondrocytes in cartilage.

  • D. Interstitial growth by cell division within the matrix (correct)

    Correct. Clustered daughter cells arising within the matrix show interstitial growth.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is D, Interstitial growth by cell division within the matrix. Isogenous groups are small clusters of chondrocytes derived from one parent cell by mitosis within the lacuna.

Why is "Appositional growth from the perichondrium" not the answer?

This adds cartilage at the surface from perichondrial cells and does not create isogenous groups.

Why is "Hypertrophy of the perichondrial fibroblasts" not the answer?

Perichondrial fibroblasts are not the source of chondrocyte clusters within the matrix.

Why is "Endochondral replacement by bone" not the answer?

This is calcification and replacement by bone, not clustering of chondrocytes in cartilage.

What concept does this question test?

It tests General anatomy and histology: cartilage growth in Anatomy. This interstitial growth expands cartilage from within and is mainly active in young cartilage.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study General anatomy and histology: cartilage growth?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.