Long bone

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Long bone

Long bones are hard, dense bones that provide strength, structure, and mobility. The long bone has a shaft known as the diaphysis and two ends known as the epiphysis. The diaphysis is made of compact bone, while the epiphysis is made of spongy bone.

Pronunciation

Long bone: /lɒŋ boʊn/

Etymology

The term "long bone" is derived from the Latin words "longus" meaning long and "os" meaning bone.

Structure

Long bones consist of a long shaft, the diaphysis, and two ends, the epiphysis. The diaphysis is made up of a hard and dense type of bone known as compact bone. The epiphysis, on the other hand, is made up of a less dense, more flexible type of bone known as spongy bone or cancellous bone. The diaphysis and epiphysis are separated by a layer of cartilage known as the epiphyseal plate or growth plate.

Function

Long bones play a crucial role in the body as they support weight, facilitate movement, and protect the internal organs. They are also involved in the production of blood cells, a process known as hematopoiesis, which takes place in the bone marrow located within the cavity of the diaphysis.

Related Terms

  • Diaphysis: The shaft or central part of a long bone.
  • Epiphysis: The end part of a long bone, initially growing separately from the shaft.
  • Compact bone: The dense, hard, and very strong bone that forms the protective outer layer of bones.
  • Spongy bone: Also known as cancellous bone, this is the lighter, less dense structure found at the ends of long bones.
  • Epiphyseal plate: Also known as the growth plate, it is a layer of hyaline cartilage in a growing bone.
  • Hematopoiesis: The production of all types of blood cells including formation, development, and differentiation.
  • Bone marrow: A soft tissue inside the bone that produces blood cells.

External links

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