Where does the growth in length of a long bone primarily take place?

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The growth in length of a long bone primarily occurs in the epiphyseal cartilage, also known as the growth plate or epiphyseal plate. This region is located between the epiphysis (the end part of the bone) and the diaphysis (the shaft of the bone). The epiphyseal cartilage consists of cartilage cells that divide and produce additional cartilage, which is later ossified to form new bone tissue. This process is stimulated by growth hormones, leading to an increase in the length of the bone as the cartilage is replaced by bone.

The importance of the epiphyseal cartilage lies in its role in endochondral ossification, which is the process through which long bones grow and develop. As a person matures, the growth plates gradually close and are replaced by bone, ceasing further lengthening of the bone.

The other locations mentioned, such as the medullary cavity, the diaphysis, and the articulating surfaces, do not play a central role in the longitudinal growth of long bones. The medullary cavity is associated more with the storage of marrow and the internal structure of the bone, while the diaphysis primarily undergoes widening rather than lengthening. The articulating surfaces are involved in joint movement

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