Vascularization of the growth plate region represents a key mechanism for the coupling of
two fundamental processes determing the rate of bone growth, chondrogenesis (cartilage
production) and osteogenesis (bone formation). Precise coupling is crucial during periods of
rapid bone growth or fracture repair in adults, and changes in the balance might induce
pathologic conditions such as osteoarthritis and ectopic bone formation. During the
formation of the growth plates of long bones, there is a close and dynamic interaction …