What does epiphyses mean?
Epiphyses is the plural of epiphysis, an anatomical term for the expanded or terminal end of a bone. The term is especially used for the ends of long bones in the arms and legs. In children and adolescents, each epiphysis is initially separated from the bone's shaft, or diaphysis, by a layer of cartilage known as the epiphyseal plate. Growth within this plate gradually lengthens the bone, after which the plate closes and the epiphysis fuses with the shaft. In adults, the boundaries between these parts may remain visible as lines, although they are less distinct. The word is primarily found in medical, biological, and anatomical contexts. It is distinct from diaphyses, which means the shafts of long bones, and should not be confused with hypophyses, a plural associated with the pituitary gland.
noun (plural)The plural of epiphysis: the expanded or terminal end of a bone, especially the end of a long bone that is initially separated from its shaft by cartilage and later fuses with it during growth.
- The plural of epiphysis, denoting the terminal ends of bones, particularly the ends of long bones.
"The X-rays showed unusually wide epiphyses at the ends of the affected long bones."
"The radiograph revealed irregular growth at the epiphyses of several long bones."
"During childhood, cartilage separates the epiphyses from the diaphyses of the long bones."
The standard plural of epiphysis, formed by adding -es to the singular ending in -is.
"The epiphyses at the ends of the long bones were enlarged on the scan."
The body's longest bones begin as separate epiphyses and diaphyses, which fuse into single mature bones during growth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does epiphyses come from?
The term comes from Greek epiphysis, meaning “an outgrowth” or “a growth upon,” formed from epi-, “upon,” and physis, “growth” or “nature.” Its long-established anatomical sense developed from this general idea of a growth or projection at the end of a bone. The related word diaphysis also contains the Greek element physis but denotes the shaft between the two ends, while epiphyte derives from the same underlying idea of growth upon another plant.
Related word forms
How epiphyses is actually used
This is a technical anatomical term used mainly in medicine, biology, and physical education. In standard anatomical usage, it is the plural of epiphysis.
Easily confused with epiphyses
Epiphyses are the ends of bones, whereas diaphyses are the shafts or central portions of long bones.
Epiphyses are bone structures, while hypophyses are plurals of hypophysis, referring to the pituitary gland or its anatomical regions.