Epifysers

Epifysers is not a widely recognized term in English anatomy. It is occasionally encountered as an alternative spelling or misspelling of epiphyses, the plural of epiphysis. The epiphysis is the rounded end of a long bone, separated from the shaft by the growth plate, or epiphyseal plate, in children and adolescents. In some non-English languages, the corresponding terms are epífisis or épiphyses, depending on transliteration.

Anatomy and function: Epiphyses form the ends of long bones and participate in joint articulation. They consist of cancellous bone covered by a thin layer of compact bone and, in many joints, articular cartilage. The epiphysis, together with the metaphysis and diaphysis, supports joint movement and load distribution.

Development and growth: The epiphysis contains secondary ossification centers that appear during fetal development or early childhood and fuse with the diaphysis after puberty. Growth occurs at the epiphyseal (growth) plate through endochondral ossification, gradually thinning until the plate closes, leaving an epiphyseal line in fully mature bone.

Clinical relevance: Growth plate injuries can affect bone development; common examples include physeal fractures and conditions such as slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Imaging and careful assessment of growth plates are important in pediatric patients to prevent growth disturbances and deformities.

Etymology and usage: Because epifysers is not standard, scholarly and clinical writing typically uses epiphysis (singular) and epiphyses (plural). When encountered, readers should consider context and language of origin to interpret the term accurately.