User:Jaqueline38

A long bone consists of several sections:

Diaphysis: This is the long central shaft Epiphysis: Forms the larger rounded ends of long bones Metaphysis: Area betweent the diaphysis and epiphysis at both ends of the bone Epiphyseal Plates: Plates of cartilage, also known as growth plates which allow the long bones to grow in length during childhood. Once we stop growing, between 18 and 25 years of age the cartilage plates stop producing cartilage cells and are gradually replaced by bone. Covering the ends of bones, where they form a joint with another bone, is a layer of hyaline cartiage. This is a firm but elastic type of cartilage which provides shock absorbtion to the joint and has no neural or vascular supply.