Epiphyseal plate
Epiphyseal plate | |
---|---|
Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | lamina epiphysialis |
MeSH | D006132 |
TA98 | A02.0.00.020 |
TA2 | 395 |
FMA | 75427 |
Anatomical terminology] |
The epiphyseal plate, epiphysial plate, physis, or growth plate is a
The plate is only found in children and adolescents; in adults, who have stopped growing, the plate is replaced by an epiphyseal line. This replacement is known as epiphyseal closure or growth plate fusion. Complete fusion can occur as early as 12 for girls (with the most common being 14–15 years for girls) and as early as 14 for boys (with the most common being 15–17 years for boys).[1][2][3][4][5]
Structure
Development
Histology
The growth plate has a very specific morphology in having a zonal arrangement as follows:[8]
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. |
Clinical significance
Defects in the development and continued division of epiphyseal plates can lead to growth disorders collectively known as osteochondrodysplasia. The most common defect is achondroplasia, where there is a defect in cartilage formation. Achondroplasia is the most common cause of dwarfism or short stature and it also manifests in generalized deformities of bones and joints. However, various other types of osteochondrodysplasias can cause short stature and generalized deformities of bones and joints due to abnormal function of growth plate cartilage cells.[9] Hereditary multiple exostoses is a genetic condition that is caused by growth irregularities of the epiphyseal plates of the long bones of the upper[10] and lower limbs.[11] It usually results in limb deformities and a certain degree of functional limitations.
Salter–Harris fractures are fractures involving epiphyseal plates and hence tend to interfere with growth, height or physiologic functions.[12]
Osgood–Schlatter disease results from stress on the epiphyseal plate in the tibia, leading to excess bone growth and a painful lump at the knee.
There are important clinical implications of the growth plate physiology. For example guided growth surgery, also known as temporary hemi
Other animals
John Hunter studied growing chickens. He observed bones grew at the ends and thus demonstrated the existence of the epiphyseal plates. Hunter is considered the "father of the growth plate".[16]
See also
- Human development (biology)
- Salter–Harris fracture
References
- PMID 16225203.
complete fusion in females occurs as early as 12 years in the distal tibia and fibula. All females demonstrated complete fusion by 18 years with no significant differences between ancestral groups. Complete fusion in males occurs as early as 14 years in both epiphyses. All males demonstrated complete fusion by 19 years
- ^ Barrell, Amanda. "At what age do girls stop growing?". MedicalNewsToday. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
- ^ Jarret, Robert R. "Puberty: Tanner Stages – Boys". Pediatric HOUSECALLS. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
- ^ Jarret, Robert R. "Puberty: Tanner Stages – Girls". Pediatric HOUSECALLS. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
- ^ "When do most males' growth plates close?". Zoodoc. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
- PMID 21068162.
- ^ "Skeletal System / Bone Development and Growth". Archived from the original on 2008-07-09. Retrieved 2008-07-10.
- ISBN 9781929007868.
- S2CID 79825711.
- PMID 29565244.
- S2CID 23800752.
- S2CID 6651435.
- PMID 31669550.
- ^ PMID 32159063.
- ^ .
- ^ "Growth Plate (Physeal) Fractures". EMedicine.com. Retrieved 2008-01-15.
External links
- Normal bones at GetTheDiagnosis.org, showing the development of epiphyseal plates for different ages and bones.