Epiphysis

Epiphysis is the end part of a long bone, initially growing separately from the shaft. It is an important part of the skeletal system and plays a crucial role in bone growth and development.

Anatomy

The epiphysis is made up of red bone marrow and is covered by a thin layer of hyaline cartilage. This cartilage is also known as articular cartilage as it is present where the bone forms an articulation (joint) with another bone. The epiphysis is connected to the diaphysis, or the shaft of the bone, by the epiphyseal plate, also known as the growth plate.

Function

The primary function of the epiphysis is the formation of red blood cells, a process known as hematopoiesis. It also plays a crucial role in bone growth and development. The epiphyseal plate is responsible for the longitudinal growth of the bone. Once the bone has reached its full length, the epiphyseal plate is replaced by an epiphyseal line.

Clinical significance

Conditions that can affect the epiphysis include epiphyseal dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of the epiphyseal plates, and osteochondritis dissecans, a condition in which a small segment of bone begins to separate from its surrounding region due to a lack of blood supply.

See also

• Bone marrow
• Diaphysis
• Epiphyseal plate
• Hematopoiesis
• Osteochondritis dissecans
• Epiphyseal dysplasia

References

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Epiphysis

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  Structure of a Long Bone
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  Metatarsal pseudo-epiphysis
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  EpiMetaDiaphyse
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  Gray's Anatomy illustration
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  Illustration of a long bone