A small bony projection or outgrowth that extends from the surface of a bone, often serving as an attachment point for muscles or tendons.
From Greek apo- meaning 'away from' and physis meaning 'growth' or 'nature.' The term was coined in anatomy to describe these secondary bone growths that develop separately and eventually fuse to the main bone structure.
During childhood and adolescence, apophyses are still cartilage and very vulnerable to injury, which is why kids get unique injuries like calcaneal apophysitis (heel pain) from activities like long-distance running before their bones fully fuse.
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