What are the function of the resting cartilage zone?

The resting cartilage zone, also known as the zone of resting cartilage, is a layer of hyaline cartilage located at the epiphyseal plate in growing long bones. Its primary function is to serve as a reserve of chondrocytes, which can proliferate and differentiate into the next zones of the growth plate, contributing to endochondral ossification. This zone helps maintain the structural integrity of the growth plate while allowing for linear bone growth. Additionally, it plays a role in the overall regulation of skeletal development and growth.