Which term describes the region between the bone shaft and the growth plate?

Which term describes the region between the bone shaft and the growth plate?

• A. Diaphysis
• B. Metaphysis
• C. Endosteum
• D. Sub

Answer: (B)

Long bones have distinct regions, with the shaft called the diaphysis and the end near the joint called the epiphysis. The growth plate—also known as the epiphyseal plate—sits between the metaphysis and the epiphysis. Therefore, the region between the bone shaft (diaphysis) and the growth plate is the metaphysis. This zone is where bone lengthening occurs during growth through endochondral ossification, as cartilage is gradually replaced by bone. The endosteum lines the inner surface of the bone cavities, not the area between the shaft and growth plate, and “sub” isn’t a standard bone-region term.

Long bones have distinct regions, with the shaft called the diaphysis and the end near the joint called the epiphysis. The growth plate—also known as the epiphyseal plate—sits between the metaphysis and the epiphysis. Therefore, the region between the bone shaft (diaphysis) and the growth plate is the metaphysis. This zone is where bone lengthening occurs during growth through endochondral ossification, as cartilage is gradually replaced by bone. The endosteum lines the inner surface of the bone cavities, not the area between the shaft and growth plate, and “sub” isn’t a standard bone-region term.