What is the importance of epiphyseal plate?

The epiphyseal plate is important because it is the site of bone growth. This portion of the bone is also known as the growth plate.

Once a child is born, his bones must grow longer and wider for him to grow bigger and taller. To accomplish this, the bones in the human body contain epiphyseal plates. These portions of the bones are where new cells, known as chondrocytes, congregate and produce a form of cartilage called hyaline. This cartilage becomes calcified over time and forms into new bone tissue. As people age, their epiphyseal plates also become calcified so the bones stop growing.