Cartilage grows in two distinct patterns: appositional and interstitial growth.
- Appositional growth happens when new cartilage cells develop from the perichondrium, a layer of connective tissue surrounding the cartilage. This type of growth adds new cartilage to the surface.
- Interstitial growth occurs when cartilage cells, called chondrocytes, divide within the existing cartilage. This expands the cartilage from within.
Cartilage growth is primarily seen in children and adolescents, as cartilage tends to have limited regenerative ability in adults. However, research suggests that cartilage regeneration is possible and ongoing efforts are focusing on developing methods to induce this process.
