Which term means softening of the cartilage?

• A. Chondrocyte
• B. Chondrectomy
• C. Chondromalacia
• D. Cervical

Answer: (C)

Softening of cartilage is described by the term chondromalacia. The root chondro- means cartilage, and the suffix -malacia means softening or degeneration, so together they indicate cartilage that has softened. This condition is often discussed in relation to articular cartilage, such as behind the kneecap, where softening can lead to pain and joint grinding. The other terms don’t describe softening: a chondrocyte is the cell that forms cartilage; chondrectomy is the surgical removal of cartilage; cervical refers to the neck area or the cervix, not cartilage.