Nearest to the epiphysis and contains randomly arranged chondrocytes that do not divide rapidly. chondrocytes produce new cartilage through interstitial cartilage growth. chondrocytes divide and form columns resembling stacks of plates or coins. chondrocytes mature and enlarge, the cells nearest the diaphysis are older and undergoing hypertrophy. very thin zone that contains hypertrophied chondrocytes and calcified cartilage matrix. calcified cartilage is replaced by bone.

Zone of resting cartilage is nearest to the epiphysis and contains randomly arranged chondrocytes that do not divide rapidly.

Zone of Proliferation produce new cartilage through interstitial cartilage growth. Chondrocytes divide and form columns resembling stacks of plates or coins.

Zone of hypertrophy. The chondrocytes produced in the zone of proliferation mature and enlarge, the cells nearest the diaphysis are older and undergoing hypertrophy.

Thus, a maturation gradient exists in each column: The cells nearer the epiphysis are younger and actively proliferating, whereas the cells progressively nearer the diaphysis are older and undergoing hypertrophy.

Zone of Calcification is a very thin zone that contains hypertrophied chondrocytes and calcified cartilage matrix. calcified cartilage is replaced by bone.

The hypertrophied chondrocytes die, and blood vessels from the diaphysis grow into the area.