As we grow, our long bones increase in diameter, but the thickness of the compact bone of the shaft remains relatively constant. Explain this phenomenon.



Answer :

Final answer:

Appositional growth explains why compact bone thickness remains constant as long bones grow in diameter.


Explanation:

Appositional growth explains why the thickness of the compact bone of the shaft remains relatively constant as long bones increase in diameter. During this process, osteoclasts resorb old bone in the medullary cavity while osteoblasts deposit new bone beneath the periosteum, contributing to an increase in diameter without significantly changing the thickness of the compact bone.

This phenomenon is vital for bone strength and reinforcement, ensuring that bones can adapt to stress from muscle activity or weight-bearing exercise. Despite longitudinal growth ceasing, the appositional growth mechanism allows for continued bone adaptation and restructuring throughout life.


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