Long bone
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224136048
2008-07-07T13:59:11Z
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The '''long bones''' are those that are longer than they are wide, and grow primarily by elongation of the [[diaphysis]], with an [[epiphysis]] at the ends of the growing [[bone]]. The ends of epiphyses are covered with a [[hyaline cartilage]] ("articular cartilage"). The longitudinal growth of long bones is a result of [[endochondral ossification]] at the [[epiphyseal plate]]. Bone growth in length is stimulated by the production of [[growth hormone]](GH), a secretion of the [[anterior lobe]] of the [[pituitary gland]].
The long bones include the [[femur]]s, [[tibia]]s, and [[fibula]]s of the legs, the [[humerus|humeri]], [[Radius (bone)|radii]], and [[ulna]]s of the arms, [[metacarpals]] and [[metatarsals]] of the hands and feet, and the [[Phalanx bones|phalanges]] of the fingers and toes. The long bones of the human leg comprise nearly half of adult height. The other primary skeletal component of height is the [[Vertebra|spine]] and [[skull]].
The outside of the bone consists of a layer of connective tissue called the [[periosteum]]. Additionally, the outer shell of the long bone is [[compact bone]], then a deeper layer of [[cancellous bone]] (spongy bone) which contains red [[bone marrow]]. The interior part of the long bone is the [[medullary cavity]] with the inner core of the bone cavity being composed of (in adults) of yellow marrow. They are found more in women.
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==References==
*[http://216.251.232.159/semdweb/internetsomd/ASP/1496576.asp Stedman's Online Medical Dictionary, 27th Edition]
*[http://www.bonefixator.com/long_bone/anatomy_1.html Anatomy of long bone]
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[[Category:Long bones| ]]
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