The best statement that describes endochondral ossification is: B. Cartilage is replaced by bone.
Endochondral ossification is a fundamental process in the development of long bones in the body. It begins with a cartilage model, which serves as a template for the future bone. During this process, the cartilage tissue gradually undergoes a transformation where it is broken down and replaced with bone tissue.
This transformation is crucial during growth, especially in the fetal and early postnatal stages, as it allows the skeletal system to expand and develop into a strong framework for the body. Unlike intramembranous ossification, which occurs directly within a connective tissue membrane, endochondral ossification specifically involves the conversion of pre-existing cartilage into bone, thus making option B the most accurate description of the process.