Answer to Question #157595 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for Gaara Hawthorne

Question

what is the function of periosteum, diaphysis, proximal epiphysis and distal epiphysis?

Answer 1

Composed of two layers, the periosteum is a dense fibrous membrane that covers the outer surfaces of modified rigid connective tissues except the bone covered with cartilage. The fibrous periosteum, which is the outer layer, is composed of collagen and also contains lymphatic and blood vessels. It functions as a site for muscular attachments. Besides, it allows different lymphatic and blood vessels to penetrate into bones which are then nourished. The inner layer, the cambium, contains osteogenic cells that later develop into osteoblasts that play salient salient role in the growth and repair of bony tissues.

The diaphysis is the long midsection of the long bone which is the direction at which the bone can withstand the most stress. The diaphysis contains soft tissue called bone marrow that can be red or yellow. The red bone marrow is the basis for red blood cells in children although as one ages, the red bone marrow turns yellow as it stores fat.

The proximal epiphysis is on the other side of the diaphysis pointing toward the center of the body. Besides, it is rounded, made up of spongy tissue, and covered in articular cartilage.

The distal epiphysis is the rounded part of the bone located at the end of the diaphysis that is pointing away from the center of the body. It is composed of pongy bone, which is bone with tiny holes similar to lattices. These holes are filled with connective tissue and bone marrow. The distal epiphysis is also covered in articular cartilage, enabling bones to move at the joints without grinding on each other.