Ivy Tech APHY 101 – Skeletal System Practice Test 2026 - Free Anatomy Practice Questions and Study Guide

The ends of a long bone, called the epiphyses, are where joints form. Each epiphysis is covered by articular cartilage to reduce friction and cushion movement at the joint, and its interior is filled with spongy (trabecular) bone that makes the area lighter yet strong. The shaft, or diaphysis, contains mostly compact bone; the region near the ends between diaphysis and epiphysis is the metaphysis, and the inner surfaces are lined by endosteum. So the part that includes both articular cartilage and the spongy bone interior is the epiphyses.