Which terms describe parts of a long bone?

• A. Diaphysis, epiphysis, metaphysis
• B. Epiphysis
• C. Metaphysis
• D. Foramen, canaliculi, lamellae

Answer: (A)

Think about the big regions that make up a long bone. The diaphysis is the long shaft, primarily compact bone with a hollow center. The epiphyses are the rounded ends, usually made of spongy bone and capped with articular cartilage where joints form. The metaphysis is the transitional area between the shaft and the ends, where growth happens during development (the growth plate is here in children and becomes the epiphyseal line in adults). Together these three terms describe the main parts of a long bone. The other options point to only one part or to microscopic bone features (like foramina, canaliculi, and lamellae), which aren’t the major sections of a long bone.