Types of epiphysis

Type of

Epiphysis

Example

Definition

Pressure

Epiphysis

• Head of femur

• Head of humerus

Found at the ends of long bones;

takes part in weight transmission

and joint articulation.

Traction

Epiphysis

TTT

• Traction

• Trochanter

• Tubercle

• Greater & Lesser

trochanter of femur

• Greater & Lesser

tubercle of humerus

• Mastoid process

of temporal bone

Located at sites where tendons attach;

not involved in weight transmission,

but help with movement by providing
leverage.

Atavistic

Epiphysis

• Coracoid process

of scapula

• Os trigonum of

talus

Represents phylogenetic remnants
(bones that were once separate in
evolution but fused in humans).

Aberrant

Epiphysis

Epiphysis at head

of 1st metacarpal

& base of other

metacarple

Not always present;

Occurs in addition to the normal

epiphyses.