The Maturation and Aging of the Vertebrae of Marmosets

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Abstract
Growth, maturation and age changes of the cartilaginous end-plates of vertebrae were studied in marmosets (C. jacchus) varying in age from birth to 10 yr. The cartilaginous end-plate is divided into an inner growth layer and an outer articular zone that abuts against the intervertebral disc. The growth cartilage gradually narrows and disappears by 1 yr of age, when the animal reaches physical maturity. The articular cartilage undergoes changes in collagen and ground substance that leads to its calcification. There was a progressive resorption of the calcified articular cartilage beginning at 3 yr of age and continuing throughout the aging period. In the vertebrae of 8 and 10 yr old animals, only a thin layer of calcified cartilage separates the disc from the underlying bone.

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