Characteristics of a

Long Bone
A. Epiphysis
• The two ends of a long bone
which are wider than the
shaft and take part in the
formation of a joint
 B. Diaphysis
• Shaft of the long bone

Diaphysis
J. Epiphyseal Disc
• In the embryo and the growing
child it is a cartilaginous plate
located between the epiphysis and
the diaphysis
• AKA = Growth Plate
 J. Epiphyseal Disc

• It allows for the

lengthwise growth of the
bone
• It is not present when
growing is complete
J. Epiphyseal Disc
K. Metaphysis

Metaphysis
 K. Metaphysis
• Spongy bone tissue
located between the
diaphysis and the
epiphyseal disc
• In the adult the
metaphysis is
becomes one with
the epiphysis
C. Compact bone
• Bone laid down in
concentric layers
making it appear solid
 C. Compact bone
• This type of
bone forms the
outer surface of
all bones
• It is found in
increased width
in the diaphysis
C. Compact bone
D. Spongy
(Cancellous) Bone
D. Spongy (Cancellous) Bone
• Composed of very thin
plates that intersect other
plates of bone at various
angles, leaving relatively
large spaces between
them which are filled
with bone marrow
D. Spongy (Cancellous) Bone
• Spongy bone is found
in the epiphysis
G. Medullary Cavity
• Cavity coursing the
length of the diaphysis
which contains bone
marrow
G. Medullary Cavity
E. Periosteum
• Connective tissue
sheath composed of
two layers
E. Periosteum
 E. Periosteum
a. Outer layer
• Tough fibrous layer that along with
bone itself, serves as a place of
insertion for muscle tendons
 E. Periosteum
b. Inner layer
• Delicate cellular layer
responsible for
producing growth in the
diameter of bone
F. Endosteum

Endosteum
 F. Endosteum
• Thin cellular layer found
covering the medullary cavity
and the cavities of spongy bone
which allows for the growth of
the diameter of the medullary
cavity
 F. Endosteum
• This prevents the bone
from becoming too
solid and heavy as it
increases in size
H.Articular Cartilage
• Thin layer of hyaline
cartilage covering the
bones that are in
contact with each other
 H. Articular Cartilage
• The flexibility of the
cartilage protects the
epiphysis during movement
preventing wearing away of
the bone
I. Articular capsule
• Composed of two
layers:
 I. Articular capsule

a. Outer layer
• A fibrous layer that is
becomes part of the
periosteum
 I. Articular capsule
b. Inner layer
• The SYNOVIAL
MEMBRANE lines the
inside of the fibrous layer