-the end of a long bone
-as seen above, the hyaline cartilaginous epiphysis is separated from the diaphysis by the epiphysial growth plate
-the epiphysis begins as a center of secondary ossification separted from more advanced compact bone by cartilage
-as development occurs, this center of secondary ossification becomes part of the cartilaginous epiphysis
-it is possible to judge the age of a child by radiographically viewing these centers of secondary ossification
-warfarin (coumadin) may induce prenatal stippled epiphyseal calcificaions if taken by pregnant women during 1st trimester
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References:
1) Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary: 19th Edition. 1997
2) Goodman & Gilman's: The Pharmacologic Basis Of Therapeutics - 10th Edition - 2001. Chapter 55.
3) Lange: Histology & Cell Biology - 4th Edition - 2000. Chapter 7.
4) Wheater's Functional Histology: A Text And Colour Atlas - 4th Edition - 2000. Chapter 10.