An epiphysis (: epiphyses) is one of the rounded ends or tips of a long bone that ossify from one or more secondary centers of ossification. Between the epiphysis and diaphysis (the long midsection of the long bone) lies the metaphysis, including the epiphyseal plate (growth plate). During formation of the secondary ossification center, vascular canals (epiphysial canals) stemming from the perichondrium invade the epiphysis, supplying nutrients to the developing secondary centers of ossification. At the joint, the epiphysis is covered with articular cartilage; below that covering is a zone similar to the epiphyseal plate, known as subchondral bone. The epiphysis is mostly found in mammals but it is also present in some lizards. However, the secondary center of ossification may have evolved multiple times, having been found in the Jurassic sphenodont Sapheosaurus as well as in the therapsid Niassodon mfumukasi. The epiphysis is filled with red bone marrow, which produces erythrocytes (red blood cells).

Structure

There are four types of epiphyses:

Bones with an epiphysis

Many bones in the body contain an epiphysis, a region critical for growth and articulation. The humerus, for example, is situated between the shoulder and elbow and contributes significantly to upper limb movement. Below the elbow are the radius and ulna, two bones that run parallel to each other. In anatomical position, the radius is positioned laterally, while the ulna lies medially. Both bones are essential in forelimb structure and motion. Distal to the forearm bones are the metacarpal bones, which reside in the forelimb. These bones are located just beyond the wrist and serve as a link to the phalanges, or finger bones, at the end of the limbs. In the lower body, the femur is a prominent bone positioned between the hip and knee. As the longest bone in the human body, it plays a pivotal role in forming the upper part of the knee joint. In the lower leg, the tibia and fibula are two parallel bones that complete the lower half of the knee joint. The tibia, located medially, bears most of the body's weight, while the fibula, positioned laterally, is smaller and supports leg structure. Further down the leg are the metatarsal bones, found near the distal end of the hindlimb. These bones are positioned proximal to the toe bones, or phalanges, providing support and structure in the foot.

Pseudo-epiphysis

A pseudo-epiphysis is an epiphysis-looking end of a bone where an epiphysis is not normally located. A pseudo-epiphysis is delineated by a transverse notch, looking similar to a growth plate. However, these transverse notches lack the typical cell columns found in normal growth plates, and do not contribute significantly to longitudinal bone growth. Pseudo-epiphyses are found at the distal end of the first metacarpal bone in 80% of the normal population, and at the proximal end of the second metacarpal in 60%.

Clinical significance

Pathologies of the epiphysis include avascular necrosis and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). OCD involves the subchondral bone. Epiphyseal lesions include chondroblastoma and giant-cell tumor.

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