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Epiphysis |
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epiphysis [ə′pif·ə·səs]
(anatomy) The end portion of a long bone in vertebrates. Epiphysis the jointed end of a tubular bone. The epiphyseal cartilage (known as growth plate) found between the epiphysis and the diaphysis plays a major role in the growth of bone lengthwise, becoming ossified between the ages of 12 and 25 years. Injury to the epiphysis in childhood or adolescence may cause epiphysiolysis—that is, displacement of the epiphysis and rupture of the epiphyseal cartilage, which may slow down the bone’s growth and result in its shortening. A more frequent condition is osteoepiphysiolysis, in which the fracture line extends to the diaphysis as well. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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