An elongated rodlike structure, as the part of a long bone between the epiphysial extremities. The shaft of a long bone, as distinguished from the epiphyses, or extremities, and apophyses, or outgrowths. SYN: shaft [TA]. [G. a growing between]
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n.
the body, or shaft, of a long bone, which ossifies from a primary centre. It comprises a thick cylinder of compact bone surrounding a large medullary cavity. Compare epiphysis.
• diaphysial adj.
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di·aph·y·sis (di-afґə-sis) pl. diaphґyses [Gr. “the point of separation between stalk and branchâ€] 1. [TA] the elongated cylindrical portion of a long bone, between the ends or extremities (the epiphyses), which are usually articular and wider; it consists of a tube of compact bone that encloses the marrow cavity (cavitas medullaris). Called also shaft. 2. the portion of a long bone formed from a primary center of ossification.
Diaphysis and epiphyses of a femur.
Medical dictionary. 2011.