Structure of Long Bones and Ossification

Diaphysis

Diaphysis

Shaft, hollow tube of compact bone

Medullary Cavity

• Hollow area within the diaphysis

• Contains yellow bone marrow

Epiphysis

Ends of long bone

Periosteum

• Tough membrane covering the bone

• Contains nerves, blood vessels, and lymph vessels

• Provides a place for tendon and ligament attachment

Ligaments

Connect bone to bone

Spongy Bone

Porous, lighter, and more flexible bone tissue

Trabeculae

• Thin plates of bone, in spongy bone

• Red bone marrow is located

Red bone marrow

• Located in trabeculae

• Helps to create blood cells

Compact Bone

• Denser, stronger type of bone tissue

• Surrounds spongy bone

• Found in diaphysis

• Provides support and protection

Osteons

Make up compact bones

Articular Cartilage

• Gel-like material made of chondrocytes

• Reduces friction and acts as a shock absorber

• Lacks blood vessels, does not heal well

Chondrocytes

Cartilage cells

Joints

Articulations where two or more bones meet

Synovial Membrane

Lines the joint and secretes synovial fluid which lubricates the joint

Ossification

Process of bone formation from cartilage during fetal development