Growth Plate

Growth plates are specialized regions of developing bones that are responsible for the longitudinal growth of bones. They are located near the end of long bones and are composed of hyaline cartilage. The growth plates control the rate and direction of bone growth and ossification (bone hardening process). Growth plates are important because they enable bones to grow in length during childhood and adolescence, allowing for normal growth and development. Abnormalities in growth plates can lead to skeletal deformities and growth-hormone deficiencies. Physicians use X-rays to monitor the growth of growth plates to screen for skeletal problems and to assess growth.