Role Of Growth Hormone In The Promotion Of Linear Skeletal Growth

The epiphyseal growth plate is a cartilaginous structure located between the bony epiphysis and the metaphyseal bone. These structures are developmentally regulated and cannot be identified during fetal life. In most species the epiphysis is first seen as a bone nucleus at the time of birth. The growth plate and articular cartilage are then gradually separated by accumulating bone tissue during subsequent growth. Longitudinal bone growth is a result of endochondral ossification in the long bones. During this process a cartilaginous structure is produced by chondrocyte proliferation in the epiphyseal growth plate, and this cartilaginous template is then degenerated and replaced by bone tissue in the direction of the metaphysis (Fig. 9.1).