Elongation of long bones during childhood takes place at the:

The elongation of long bones during childhood occurs at the growth plates, also known as the epiphyseal plates, which are located at the metaphyses of the long bones. These growth plates are areas of cartilage that allow for the lengthening of bones as a child grows.

As a child matures, the cells within the growth plate divide and increase in number, which pushes the epiphyses away from the diaphysis, resulting in bone elongation. This process continues until the growth plates eventually close after puberty, which leads to a halt in further lengthening of the bones.

The distinction between the metaphysis and the growth plates is crucial; while the metaphysis refers to the region on either side of the epiphyseal plate, the specific activity that allows for lengthening occurs precisely at the growth plates themselves. Understanding this process is essential in anatomy and physiology, as it highlights the mechanisms behind skeletal growth and development during childhood.