Histological Organization
The growth plate has a very specific morphology in having a zonal arrangement.
| Epiphyseal plate zone (from epiphysis to diaphysis | Description |
|---|---|
| Zone of reserve | Quiescent chondrocytes are found at the epiphyseal end |
| Zone of proliferation | Chondrocytes undergo rapid mitosis under influence of growth hormone |
| Zone of maturation and hypertrophy | Chondrocytes stop mitosis, and begin to hypertrophy by accumulating glycogen, lipids, and alkaline phosphatase |
| Zone of calcification | Chondrocytes undergo apoptosis. Cartilagenous matrix begins to calcify. |
| Zone of ossification | Osteoclasts and osteoblasts from the diaphyseal side break down the calcified cartilage and replace with mineralized bone tissue. |
A mnemonic for remembering the names of the epiphyseal plate growth zones is " Real People Have Career Options," standing for: Resting zone, Proliferative zone, Hypertrophic cartilage zone, Calcified cartilage zone, Ossification zone. The growth plate is clinically relevant in that it is often the primary site for infection, metastasis, fractures and the effects of endocrine bone disorders.
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