Physis (Growth Plate)

The physis, or growth plate, is a layer of cartilage located near the ends of long bones in children and adolescents. It is the site where new bone cells are produced, allowing the bone to lengthen as you grow. This cartilage gradually hardens into solid bone as a person matures and reaches adulthood. The growth plate is vital for proper bone growth and development, but it is also vulnerable to injury, which can sometimes affect bone growth. Once growth stops, usually in late adolescence, the growth plates close and are replaced by solid bone.