What is end plates?

End plates are found at the ends of bones, where they form the surface that articulates with adjacent bones to form a joint. They are composed of hyaline cartilage and are covered by a thin layer of smooth articular cartilage. These structures serve as the entry and exit points for blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues that supply the bone, making them critically important for bone health and function. In addition, end plates play a role in transmitting loads across joints, helping to distribute weight and stress evenly across the joint surface. As such, they are a crucial component of a healthy skeletal system and are essential for maintaining joint mobility and stability.