When the Epiphyseal Plate is Replaced by Bone

Question

When the epiphyseal plate is replaced by bone,
A) puberty begins.
B) interstitial bone growth begins.
C) appositional bone growth begins.
D) long bones have reached their adult length.
E) the bone becomes more brittle.

Accepted Answer

When the epiphyseal plate is replaced by bone, it means that the long bones have stopped growing in length and have reached their adult length. This is because the epiphyseal plate is the area of cartilage that allows for bone growth during childhood and adolescence. Once it is replaced by bone, growth in length is no longer possible.