American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

Which statement about epiphyses is FALSE?

1. They are the ends of long bones

2. Bone growth ceases when epiphyseal cartilage is ossified

3. They consist of porous cancellous bone with an outer layer of compact bone

4. Growth in long bones occurs through ossification only in superior epiphyseal plates

The correct answer is: Growth in long bones occurs through ossification only in superior epiphyseal plates

The statement that growth in long bones occurs through ossification only in superior epiphyseal plates is false because growth in long bones happens at both the superior (proximal) and inferior (distal) epiphyseal plates. These growth plates, known as epiphyseal plates, are responsible for the lengthening of bones during childhood and adolescence. The process of ossification occurs as new cartilage forms and is later replaced by bone, allowing for increases in bone length from both ends. Additionally, the other statements accurately describe the characteristics and behavior of epiphyses. They are indeed found at the ends of long bones, comprised of cancellous (spongy) bone surrounded by layers of compact bone, and bone growth ceases when the epiphyseal cartilage is completely ossified, marking the end of an individual's growth in height. Understanding that ossification occurs at both the proximal and distal epiphyseal plates is essential for grasping how long bones grow and develop during the skeletal maturation process.