Epiphysis

Every long bone is capped with wide areas on each end called epiphyses. The epyphisis closer to
the torso is called the proximal epiphysis while the distal epiphysis is at the farther end.
Epiphyses are filled with spongy bone containing red bone marrow, which is red in color because
it makes red blood cells. Each epiphysis is capped with articular cartilage that connects the bone
to the rest of the body while simultaneously cushioning the end of the bone.
Diaphysis
The largest part of any long bone is the long cylindrical middle, called the diaphysis. The
diaphysis takes the brunt of the force a long bone must support, and is made up primarily of
compact bone -- a dense, strong bone composed of minerals, as hard as many types of rock. The
diaphysis also has small holes for blood vessels that carry nutrients to the compact bone cells.
Metaphysis
Between the epiphysis cap and the long shaft of the diaphysis is a wide section of bone called the
metaphysis. The metaphysis transfers load and stress from the joints at the epiphysis into the
longer and stronger diaphysis. The metaphyses are also important for bone growth. They make
up part of the growth plate, and during childhood, cells in the metaphysis divide for longitudinal
bone growth.
Medullary Cavity
Long bones all have a long cavity inside the diaphysis called the medullary cavity. This cavity is
filled with red bone marrow in children, which transitions to yellow bone marrow as they grow
to become adults. For this reason the medullary cavity is also called the marrow cavity. The
yellow bone marrow in the medullary cavity looks yellow because it contains fat cells.

Mechanical
Support. Bones provide a framework for the attachment of muscles and other tissues.
Movement. Bones enable body movements by acting as levers and points of attachment for
muscles.
Protective
Bones such as the skull and rib cage protect vital organs from injury. Bones also protect the
marrow.
Metabolic
Mineral storage. Bones serve as a reservoir for calcium and phosphorus, essential minerals for
various cellular activities throughout the body.
Blood cell production. The production of blood cells, or hematopoiesis, occurs in the red marrow
found within the cavities of certain bones.
Energy storage. Lipids (fats) stored in adipose cells of the yellow marrow serve as an energy
reservoir.