Ossification begins in the diaphyses of tubular bones. At birth, the diaphyses are almost entirely ossified while the epiphyses are still cartilaginous. However, ossific centres will soon appear in the epiphyses. A cartilaginous plate called the growth plate or epiphysial plate remains between epiphyses and diaphyses, which permits further lengthening of the bone. The ossification of the epiphysial plate marks the cessation of growth in length.