EPIPHYSEAL GROWTH: NORMAL SEQUENCE OF EVENTS AT THE EPIPHYSEAL PLATE1

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Abstract
In this project new roentgenologic and histologic methods were applied to a study of endochondral bone formation. Since the epiphyseal cartilage together with the bony metaphysis, situated at the extremities of rapidly growing bones throughout the body, constitutes the organ of growth, the anatomy of this region is described. The cartilage is composed of germinal, proliferating, and degenerating layers; the metaphysis is composed of a rind of new bone laid down by osteoblasts around the calcified matrix of degenerated cartilage cells. An important part of the metaphysis is its peripheral outcropping or "buttress." In the interstices of the metaphysis are capillaries, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts, the active agents in the development and remodeling of true bone. Ca depositions are demonstrated in both the longitudinal and transverse septa of the matrix of the degenerating cartilage cells. This finding is at variance with the conclusions of some writers that Ca salts are deposited only in the longitudinal septa. These results support Wolbach''s belief that mineralization of the cartilage matrix is a prerequisite for its orderly invasion and resorp-tion by capillaries and phagocytes. The deposition of Ca salts in the ground substance follows the death of the cartilage cells.