diaphysis

(noun)

The central shaft of any long bone.

Related Terms

Examples of diaphysis in the following topics:

  • Postnatal Bone Growth

    • The diaphysis and both epiphyses of a long bone are separated by a growing zone of cartilage (the epiphyseal plate).
    • When a child reaches skeletal maturity (18 to 25 years of age), all of the cartilage is replaced by bone, fusing the diaphysis and both epiphyses together (epiphyseal closure).
    • The growth in the diameter of bones around the diaphysis occurs through the deposition of bone beneath the periosteum.
    • Between the epiphysis and diaphysis (the long midsection of the long bone) lies the metaphysis, including the epiphyseal plate (growth plate).

  • Stages of Bone Development

    • The diaphysis and both epiphyses of a long bone are separated by a growing zone of cartilage (the epiphyseal plate).
    • When the child reaches skeletal maturity (18 to 25 years of age), all cartilage is replaced by bone, fusing the diaphysis and both epiphyses together (epiphyseal closure).

  • Gross Anatomy

    • Long bones grow primarily by elongation of the diaphysis (the central shaft), with an epiphysis at each end of the growing bone.
    • At the cessation of growth, the epiphyses fuse to the diaphysis, thus obliterating the intermediate area known as the epiphyseal plate or growth plate.
    • Growth occurs by a lengthening of the diaphysis. located in the center of the long bone.

  • Metatarsal Fracture

    • A Jones fracture is a fracture of the diaphysis of the fifth metatarsal of the foot .

  • Embryonic and Fetal Bone Formation

    • The first site of ossification occurs in the primary center of ossification, which is in the middle of diaphysis (shaft).

  • Development of Joints

    • Between the epiphysis and diaphysis (the long midsection of the long bone) lies the metaphysis, including the epiphyseal plate (growth plate).