1. The end part of a long bone, separated from the shaft by a layer of cartilage in growing bones and fused to it in adults.
Usage: anatomy; commonly used in medical and biological contexts
2. A small endocrine gland in the brain; the pineal gland.
Usage: anatomy; less common usage; also called pineal body

Examples

• The epiphysis of the femur is where growth occurs in children.
• X-rays can show whether the epiphysis has fused to the shaft of the bone.
• Growth plates connect the epiphysis to the diaphysis in developing bones.
• Once a person reaches adulthood, the epiphysis becomes fully ossified.
• The epiphysis is particularly vulnerable to injury in young athletes.