An epiphyseal line on a bone indicates what?

An epiphyseal line on a bone indicates what?
A . The bone has begun a new growth phase.
B. The bone was previously fractured in that location.
C. The bone has stopped growing.
D. The bone has reached its adult length.

View Answer

Answer: D

Explanation:

Long bones possess a cartilaginous zone between the diaphysis (midsection) and the epiphysis (end) called the epiphyseal plate. During childhood this allows the bone to continue growing in length. At some point the cartilage ossifies (becomes bone tissue), leaving a line of demarcation, the epiphyseal line. This indicates the bone has reached its adult length and no further growth in length will occur. However, the bone can continue to grow in diameter.