At what ages do epiphyseal plates typically close?

The closure of the epiphyseal plates, or growth plates, is a crucial aspect of bone development and plays a significant role in determining an individual's final height. Typically, these plates begin to close as individuals reach the end of puberty, which varies between genders.

For females, the closure of the epiphyseal plates generally occurs earlier, around the ages of 16 to 18, coinciding with the completion of their puberty growth spurts. Males, on the other hand, tend to experience a later closure, often between the ages of 18 to 20. The choice that best encompasses the typical closure range for both males and females is 16 to 18 years. As the growth plates close, the ability for the bones to grow in length is lost, leading to the attainment of adult height.

The other options provided either suggest an earlier closure, which is less common given the typical timeline of growth plate maturation and hormonal influences, or imply a later closure, which extends beyond the average timing observed in the majority of the population. Thus, the answer reflects the general understanding of epiphyseal plate closure during the late teenage years.