Epiphysis refers to which part of a long bone?

• A. The shaft of a long bone
• B. The end of a long bone
• C. A fibrous sheath around bone
• D. Cartilage lines joint capsules where bone meets bone

Answer: (B)

Epiphysis is the end portion of a long bone that forms part of a joint. These proximal and distal ends sit at the joints and are separated from the shaft (the diaphysis). The interior is mainly spongy bone with red marrow, and the joint-facing surface is covered by articular cartilage to reduce friction during movement. The other options describe different structures: the shaft is the diaphysis, the fibrous sheath around bone is the periosteum, and cartilage lining joint capsules where bones meet is articular cartilage—not the bone end itself.