sports med - long bone anatomy

proximal epiphysis

the end of a long bone closest to the body's center, containing red bone marrow and articulating with adjacent bones at a joint.

distal epiphysis

the end of a long bone farthest from the body's center, often involved in joint formation and containing articular cartilage.

articular cartilage

a smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints. It allows for smooth movement and acts as a shock absorber.

metaphysis

the region of a long bone between the epiphysis and the diaphysis, where bone growth occurs during development. It contains the growth plate, which is crucial for longitudinal bone growth.

diphysis

the central shaft of a long bone, providing structural support and containing the medullary cavity, which houses bone marrow.

nutrient artery

the major blood vessel supplying nutrients to a long bone, typically entering through the nutrient foramen and branching into smaller vessels to nourish the bone tissue.

periosteum

the dense connective tissue membrane covering the outer surface of a long bone, serving as an attachment site for tendons and ligaments while providing a pathway for blood vessels and nerves.

yellow bone marrow

a type of bone marrow primarily composed of adipose tissue, found in the medullary cavity of long bones and involved in storing fat.

red bone marrow

a type of bone marrow responsible for producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, found mainly in the cavities of spongy bone in the axial skeleton and in long bones of children.

medullary cavity

the central cavity within a long bone that contains bone marrow, either red or yellow, and is involved in the production and storage of blood cells and fat.

compact bone

the dense, outer layer of bone that provides strength and structure, forming the hard exterior of long bones and facilitating the attachment of muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

spongy bone

a type of bone tissue characterized by a porous, lattice-like structure that provides lightweight support and houses red bone marrow, mainly found in the interior of long bones and in various bone types.

endosteum

a thin membrane lining the medullary cavity of long bones, where it assists in bone growth, repair, and remodeling.

epiphyseal line

a fibrocartilaginous structure that marks the site of growth plate fusion in long bones once growth has been completed.