Which term denotes the cartilage-surrounding membrane?

Which term denotes the cartilage-surrounding membrane?

• A. Apophysis
• B. Epiphysis
• C. Metaphysis
• D. Perichondrium

Answer: (D)

The cartilage-surrounding membrane is perichondrium. It envelops most cartilage and consists of an outer fibrous layer and an inner chondrogenic layer, supplying nutrients to the avascular cartilage and supporting growth, especially appositional growth on the cartilage surface. The other terms describe bone features rather than a membrane around cartilage: an apophysis is a bony outgrowth for tendon or ligament attachment, an epiphysis is the end part of a long bone, and a metaphysis is the region between the epiphysis and the diaphysis near the growth plate.

The cartilage-surrounding membrane is perichondrium. It envelops most cartilage and consists of an outer fibrous layer and an inner chondrogenic layer, supplying nutrients to the avascular cartilage and supporting growth, especially appositional growth on the cartilage surface. The other terms describe bone features rather than a membrane around cartilage: an apophysis is a bony outgrowth for tendon or ligament attachment, an epiphysis is the end part of a long bone, and a metaphysis is the region between the epiphysis and the diaphysis near the growth plate.