Metaphysis
Metaphysis
The Metaphysis (/mɛˈtæfɪsɪs/; from the Greek: μετά, metá, "after", and φύσις, phúsis, "nature") is the narrow portion of a long bone between the epiphysis and the diaphysis. It contains the growth plate, the part of the bone that grows during childhood, and as it grows it ossifies near the diaphysis and the epiphysis.
Etymology
The term "metaphysis" is derived from the Greek words metá, meaning "after", and phúsis, meaning "nature". This term is used in anatomy to refer to the part of the bone that is in between the epiphysis, the rounded end of a long bone, and the diaphysis, the main or mid section (shaft) of the bone.
Function
The primary function of the metaphysis is to aid in the growth of the bone. It contains a growth plate which is made up of cartilage cells that multiply and push older cells towards the diaphysis. As these older cells die, they are replaced by bone, contributing to the growth of the bone.
Related Terms
- Epiphysis: The end part of a long bone, initially growing separately from the shaft.
- Diaphysis: The shaft or central part of a long bone.
- Physis: The growth plate, a hyaline cartilage plate in the metaphysis at each end of a long bone.
- Ossification: The process in which cartilage is transformed into bone.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Metaphysis
- Wikipedia's article - Metaphysis
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