What is the epiphysis of a bone defined as?

• A. End of a long bone
• B. Shaft of the bone
• C. Between the epiphysis and diaphysis
• D. Within the diaphysis

Answer: (A)

The epiphysis are the ends of a long bone. These regions are the expanded, articulating ends that connect with adjacent bones at joints and are capped with articular cartilage. They are separated from the shaft by the metaphysis (and grow via the growth plate in developing bones, which later ossifies). This distinguishes them from the shaft (the diaphysis) and from the area between the ends and the shaft.