Metaphysis
| Metaphysis | |
|---|---|
 Structure of a long bone, showing the metaphysis | |
| Details | |
| Pronunciation | /mətˈæfɪsɪs/ |
| Part of | Long bones |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | metaphysis |
| TA98 | A02.0.00.022 |
| TA2 | 392 |
| FMA | 24014 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The metaphysis (pl.: metaphyses) is the neck portion of a
The metaphysis may be divided anatomically into three components based on tissue content: a
During childhood, the growth plate contains the connecting cartilage enabling the bone to grow; at adulthood (between the ages of 18 and 25 years), the components of the growth plate stop growing altogether and completely ossify into solid bone.[2] In an adult, the metaphysis functions to transfer loads from weight-bearing joint surfaces to the diaphysis.[3]
Clinical significance
Because of their rich blood supply and vascular stasis, metaphyses of long bones are prone to hematogenous spread of osteomyelitis in children.[4]
Metaphyseal tumors or lesions include
One of the clinical signs of rickets that doctors look for is cupping and fraying at the metaphyses when seen on X-ray.
See also
References
- ^ Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary, 27th edition
- ^ Visual dictionary of Merriam-Webster http://visual.merriam-webster.com/human-being/anatomy/skeleton/parts-long-bone.php
- ^ Encyclopædia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/377978/metaphysis
- ISBN 9780723436805.
- ^ "New Jersey Medical School, Pathology Department Introductory Course on Bone Tumours". Archived from the original on 2009-03-06. Retrieved 2009-03-12.
External links
- Anatomy photo: Musculoskeletal/bone/structure0/structure2 - Comparative Organology at University of California, Davis - "Bone, structure (Gross, Low)"
