Bones elongate as chondrocytes in the cartilage of the epiphyseal plate divide. These cell divisions produce new cartilage within the epiphyseal plate bordering the epiphyses. At the other end of the epiphyseal plate, bordering the diaphysis, older cartilage is broken down by invading osteoclasts and is eventually replaced by the expanding medullary cavity.












Anatomy and Chemistry Basics
Bones and Skeletal Tissues