Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Metaphysis
Introduction
Overview
Overview
The metaphysis is the portion of a long bone between the epiphyses and the diaphysis. The “growth plate“, or “physis”, or “epiphyseal plate”, although it precedes the development of the ossified metaphysis, may also be referred to as the metaphysis. It is this part of the bone that grows during childhood; as it grows, it ossifies near the diaphysis and the epiphyses. At roughly 18 to 25 years of age, the metaphysis stops growing altogether and completely ossifies into solid bone.
Epiphyseal plates (“growth plates”) are located in the metaphysis and are responsible for growth in the length of the bone. Because of their rich blood supply, metaphysis of long bones are prone to hematogenous spread of Osteomyelitis in children.
Additional images
Additional images
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Long bone
