Epiphysis refers to which part of a long bone?

Epiphysis refers to which part of a long bone?

• A. The shaft of a long bone
• B. The end of a long bone
• C. A fibrous sheath around bone
• D. Cartilage lines joint capsules where bone meets bone

Answer: (B)

Epiphysis is the end portion of a long bone that forms part of a joint. These proximal and distal ends sit at the joints and are separated from the shaft (the diaphysis). The interior is mainly spongy bone with red marrow, and the joint-facing surface is covered by articular cartilage to reduce friction during movement. The other options describe different structures: the shaft is the diaphysis, the fibrous sheath around bone is the periosteum, and cartilage lining joint capsules where bones meet is articular cartilage—not the bone end itself.

Epiphysis is the end portion of a long bone that forms part of a joint. These proximal and distal ends sit at the joints and are separated from the shaft (the diaphysis). The interior is mainly spongy bone with red marrow, and the joint-facing surface is covered by articular cartilage to reduce friction during movement. The other options describe different structures: the shaft is the diaphysis, the fibrous sheath around bone is the periosteum, and cartilage lining joint capsules where bones meet is articular cartilage—not the bone end itself.