Question

which term means \abnormal softening of the cartilage\?
chondritis
osteomalacia
osteopenia
chondromalacia

Explanation:

Medical terminology breakdown: "chondro-" refers to cartilage, "-malacia" means abnormal softening. "Chondritis" is cartilage inflammation ("-itis"), "osteomalacia" is bone softening ("osteo-" = bone), "osteopenia" is low bone density. Only chondromalacia matches "abnormal softening of cartilage".

Answer:

chondromalacia