What may happen to costal cartilage as an individual ages?

As individuals age, costal cartilage undergoes a process known as ossification, where the cartilage gradually turns into bone. This transformation can lead to a decrease in flexibility within the thoracic cage, which is crucial for effective breathing and overall mobility of the ribcage. As costal cartilage becomes more rigid, it can diminish the range of motion of the ribs during inhalation and exhalation. This reduced mobility can also lead to discomfort and may contribute to respiratory issues in older adults, making option A the correct response regarding the potential changes in costal cartilage with age.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the typical changes observed in costal cartilage with aging. Flexibility does not increase as one ages; rather, it tends to decrease, leading to rigidity. The weakening of costal cartilage and resulting rib fractures is less common, as cartilage generally becomes more durable before ossifying. Complete disappearance of costal cartilage is also not a typical occurrence; instead, it generally remains in some form, even as it ossifies. Therefore, recognizing these age-related changes in costal cartilage helps clarify the implications for thoracic mobility and respiratory function in older individuals.