Growth cartilages

Abstract

As a tissue, growth cartilage, or the growth zone, forms a specialized layer in epiphyseal cartilages which constitute the extremities of fetal tubular bones (Fig. 11.1). In the event of a secondary centre of ossification developing in the epiphysis, the growth zone becomes sandwiched between the spongiosa of the epiphysis and the metaphysis, and is thereby converted into a cartilaginous growth plate (Fig. 11.2). A growth zone or plate is also often referred to as a growth cartilage, i.e. an organ, no special distinction being made between the fetal and postnatal structure. Because they are of paramount importance to the mechanism whereby bones increase in length, the blood supply of growth cartilages and the morphological interrelationships between cartilage, blood vessels and osteogenesis have engaged the attention of many investigators.