There are mainly 4 types of epiphysis.
- Pressure epiphysis:-
- articular , helps in weight transmission.
- found in region of bones which are under pressure during movement.
E.g. = head of humerus , head of femur , condyles of femur and tibia.
- Tractional epiphysis:-
- not involved in movement.
- found in places where tendon is attached
- tendon exerts traction on the epiphysis.
- not involved in weight transmission.
- ossifies later than pressure epiphysis.
E.g. = greater and lesser tubercles of humerus , greater and lesser trochanter of femur .
- Atavistic epiphysis:-
- a bone which is fused in humans but present as an independent bone in lower animals .
E.g. = coracoid process
- Aberrant epiphysis:-
- a deviation from normal location.
- not always present
E.g. = head of 1st metacarpal and base of other metacarpal bones .