Which part of the bone is involved in the growth of bones during childhood and adolescence?

The epiphyseal plate, also known as the growth plate, is the region of developing cartilage located at the ends of long bones. During childhood and adolescence, this plate is crucial for longitudinal growth as it allows bones to increase in length. Chondrocytes, which are cartilage cells, multiply and contribute to the formation of new cartilage at the epiphyseal plate. As these cells age and mature, they eventually ossify, turning into bone and adding to the overall length of the bone.

This process continues until the epiphyseal plate closes, which typically occurs after puberty when hormonal changes drive the maturation and cessation of growth in height. Thus, the epiphyseal plate plays a central role in bone development and growth during the formative years, making it the correct answer to the question regarding which part of the bone is involved in growth.