Growth plates

Growth plates, also called epiphyseal plates, are areas of developing cartilage located at the ends of long bones in children and teenagers. They act as zones where new bone tissue is produced, allowing bones to lengthen as a person grows. Over time, these growth plates gradually harden and become solid bone during late adolescence or early adulthood, signaling the end of height increase. Because they are made of cartilage, growth plates are softer and more vulnerable to injury, which can affect growth if damaged. Once closed, the bones no longer grow in length.