Apophysis

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Apophysis

Apophysis (pronunciation: /əˈpɒfɪsɪs/) is a term used in anatomy and biology to describe a natural swelling or enlargement in an organism, often referring to a bony outgrowth that lacks an independent center of ossification.

Etymology

The term 'apophysis' originates from the Greek word 'apophusis', which means 'offshoot'. It was first used in English in the mid-19th century.

Definition

In anatomy, an apophysis is a type of bone outgrowth that serves as a point of attachment for muscles and tendons. Unlike an epiphysis, which is a growth plate area at the end of a long bone, an apophysis is not involved in the longitudinal growth of the bone.

In botany, an apophysis refers to the swelling or enlargement of certain parts of a plant, such as the base of the stalk of a moss capsule.

Related Terms

  • Epiphysis: The end part of a long bone, initially growing separately from the shaft.
  • Diaphysis: The shaft or central part of a long bone.
  • Metaphysis: The narrow portion of a long bone between the epiphysis and the diaphysis.
  • Physis: A term used in anatomy to refer to a growth plate.

See Also

External links

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