Long Bone Anatomy

Front

Shaft, or middle section, of a long bone

Back

Diaphysis

Front

The enlarged end of the bone.

Back

Epiphysis

Front

Tough layer of fibrous connective tissue that surrounds the bone and is continuous with tendons and ligaments

Back

Periosteum

Front

Hollow space within the diaphysis, which contains the yellow marrow.

Back

Medullary Cavity

Front

Thin layer of cells lining the medullary cavities

Back

Endosteum

Front

Located within the spongy bone and is involved in blood cell formation (hematopoiesis)

Back

Red marrow

Front

Located in the medullary cavity and functions as a fat storage area

Back

Yellow marrow

Front

Layer of protective hard tissue that is composed of repeating units of osteons.

Back

Compact bone

Front

Mesh-like tissue made of interconnecting trabeculae and spaces filled with red marrow

Back

Spongy bone

Front

A band of hyaline cartilage found between the diaphysis and epiphyses of long bones during childhood and adolescence; area where bone increases in length

Back

Epiphyseal plate