@bonemuseum: Epiphyseal plates, often called growth plates, are regions of cartilage found at the ends of long bones. They are responsible for bone lengthening during childhood and adolescence. As a child grows, these plates remain open, allowing bones to increase in length through a process called endochondral ossification, where cartilage is gradually replaced by bone. By comparing skeletons aged 8–10, 10–12, and a fully mature adult, we can observe this process at different stages of development. In the 8–10 year old skeleton, growth plates are wide and clearly visible, reflecting active and rapid growth. In the 10–12 year old skeleton, the plates begin to narrow as growth slows and early fusion starts to occur. In the adult skeleton, the growth plates have fully fused, leaving behind solid bone and signaling the end of vertical growth.