Before beginning orthodontic treatment,a patient may have her wrist and hand x-rayed to determine her stage of growth.What long bone feature will the orthodontist use to assess this?

Question

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The orthodontist will use the epiphyseal plate to assess the patient's stage of growth. This is because the epiphyseal plate, also known as the growth plate, is a layer of cartilage at the end of long bones that allows them to grow. Once growth is complete, the epiphyseal plate is replaced by bone, indicating that the patient has reached their full growth potential. By assessing the condition of the epiphyseal plate in an x-ray of the patient's wrist and hand, the orthodontist can determine the stage of growth and plan the appropriate orthodontic treatment.

Before Beginning Orthodontic Treatment,a Patient May Have Her Wrist and Hand