Growth plates, also known as epiphyseal plates, are areas of developing cartilage located at the ends of long bones in growing children and adolescents. These plates are responsible for the longitudinal growth of bones, and ultimately determine the final shape and size of adult bones.Growth plates are found at the ends of long bones, such as the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), humerus (upper arm bone), and radius (forearm bone). They are located between the diaphysis (shaft) of the bone and the epiphysis (end) of the bone. The growth plate is made up of a layer of cartilage cells, which divide and grow, eventually forming bone tissue. As the cartilage cells divide and grow, the bone lengthens.It's important to note that the growth plates are a weaker area of the bone than the surrounding bone, making them more susceptible to injuries. When a child or adolescent suffers a growth plate fracture, it can lead to malformation of the bone and even stop growth in that bone.Growth plates generally begin to form during fetal development and continue to grow until the child reaches puberty. At this point, the growth plates begin to harden and fuse, indicating the end of the growth period.It's important to note that the growth plates are a weaker area of the bone than the surrounding bone, making them more susceptible to injuries. When a child or adolescent suffers a growth plate fracture, it can lead to malformation of the bone and even stop growth in that bone. That's why it is crucial to be careful with children and adolescents during physical activities and sports, as well as to seek medical attention if they suffer an injury to a long bone.In conclusion, growth plates, also known as epiphyseal plates, are areas of developing cartilage located at the ends of long bones in growing children and adolescents. They are responsible for the longitudinal growth of bones and ultimately determine the final shape and size of adult bones. They are found at the ends of long bones, such as the femur, tibia, humerus, and radius. Growth plates generally begin to form during fetal development and continue to grow until the child reaches puberty. However, they are a weaker area of the bone than the surrounding bone, making them more susceptible to injuries and it's important to be careful with children and adolescents during physical activities and sports, as well as to seek medical attention if they suffer an injury to a long bone.