Final answer:
The epiphyseal plate, also known as the growth plate, is composed of hyaline cartilage, making the statement true. It allows long bones to grow in length during development. Option A is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The epiphyseal plate, also known as the growth plate, is indeed composed of cartilage, specifically hyaline cartilage. Therefore, the answer to the student's question is a) True. The epiphyseal plate plays a critical role in the process of endochondral ossification by which bones grow in length.
This region of growing cartilage is found at each end of the long bones, between the diaphysis (shaft) and epiphysis (end) of the bone. The epiphyseal plate allows for lengthening of the bone during growth periods by forming new cartilage, which is then replaced by bone tissue.
Eventually, in early adulthood, the epiphyseal plate ceases to generate cartilage and the bone replaces it completely, leaving behind an epiphyseal line that signifies the end of bone growth in length.