Parts of Developing Bone

Introduction:
Developing bone is divided into three parts; the two ends and one shaft.
The ends ossify from secondary centers of ossification while the shaft ossifies from primary
center of ossification.
Primary center of ossification is the center where the process of ossification starts first of all.
Secondary centers of ossification are the centers where the process of ossification starts after
the primary center.
Parts of Developing bone:
 Epiphysis
 Diaphysis
 Metaphyses
 Epiphyseal plate of cartilage

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Parts of a young bone:

(A) Epiphysis: (*****Most important short note, Viva)

Definition: The ends and the tips of a long bone that ossify from secondary centers are known
as epiphyses.

Four Types of Epiphyses

 Pressure epiphyses: These epiphyses are articular that is they take part in joint
formation. These epiphyses are the weight transmitting epiphyses.

Examples: Head of the humerus, head of femur, lower end of the radius

 Traction epiphyses: These epiphyses develop due to pull of muscles attached to them.
These are non-articular and do not take part in the formation of joints. They also do not
take part in transmission of weight.

Examples : Tubercles of humerus (greater tubercle and lesser tubercle) and Trochanters
of femur (greater trochanter and lesser trochanter)

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  Atavistic epiphyses: These epiphyses are phylogenetically (in evolution) independent
but they become fused in man.

Examples: Coracoid process of scapula and os trigonum.

 Aberrant epiphyses: As the name indicates (aberrant = not usual) these epiphyses are
not always present.

Examples: Epiphyses at the head of the first metacarpal bone and at the base of 2nd to
5th metacarpal bones.

Diaphysis:
Diaphysis is the term used for elongated shaft of the long bone. It ossifies from a primary
center.

Metaphyses:
The ends of diaphysis near the epiphyses are known as metaphyses.

Since a long bone has two ends so there are two metaphyses.

Each metaphysis is the zone of active growth of a long bone.

Before the fusion of diaphysis and epiphyses, the metaphyses are richly supplied with blood
through end arteries forming hair pin bends. This is the common site of osteomyelitis in
children. (Viva)

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Epiphyseal plate of cartilage:
This is a plate of cartilage separating epiphyses from metaphyses.

The cells of this cartilage plate proliferate and are responsible for the length wise growth of a
long bone.

When the age of maturity arrives, this cartilage plate ossifies and then the bone can no longer
grow in length.

This plate of cartilage is nourished by both epiphyseal and metaphyseal arteries.

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Ojvensha E learning Resources-Prepared by Dr.B.B.Gosai