metaphysis
Noun: * The growing part of a long bone: The metaphysis is the narrow, transitional region of a long bone, located between the diaphysis (the shaft) and the epiphysis (the end). It contains the growth plate (epiphyseal plate) in children and adolescents, where bone lengthening occurs.
The term is used exclusively in anatomical, medical, and biological contexts to describe a specific part of skeletal anatomy. * It is a countable noun (plural: metaphyses). * It is typically modified by adjectives specifying its location (e.g., proximal metaphysis, distal metaphysis) or condition (e.g., fractured metaphysis).
- In anatomy:
- In development:
- In pathology:
- Metaphyseal (adjective): Pertaining to or located in the metaphysis.
- Example: The X-ray showed a characteristic metaphyseal flare.
- Metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle: A measured angle used in orthopedics, for example, in assessing conditions like Blount's disease.
- Metaphyseal dysplasia: A category of genetic disorders affecting the development of the metaphysis.
- Metaphyseal (adj.): The adjectival form.
- Diaphysis (n.): The main or midsection (shaft) of a long bone.
- Epiphysis (n.): The rounded end of a long bone, initially separated from the shaft by the growth plate.
- Physis (n.): The growth plate itself.
- Growth zone (in a specific, non-technical context)
- Transitional zone (descriptive)
The word has a single, precise anatomical meaning. It does not have idiomatic or figurative uses. Its understanding is dependent on the related terms diaphysis and epiphysis.
- the growing part of a long bone between the diaphysis and the epiphysis