What does the epiphysis refer to in developing children?

The epiphysis refers to the end part of long bones, which is crucial in the context of developing children. It is the area where bone growth occurs and is associated with the growth plate, also known as the epiphyseal plate. This region is where new bone cells are generated, allowing for the lengthening of bones as a child grows.

In this process, the epiphysis plays a vital role as it contains centers of ossification where the cartilage that makes up the growth plate gradually turns into bone through a process called endochondral ossification. This is essential for proper bone development and overall skeletal health in children.

Other terms provided correspond to various medical phenomena but do not relate to the context of bone growth in development. For instance, inflammation of the intestines (the second option) refers to gastrointestinal issues rather than bone structure, while terms related to early development and pus in a body cavity deal with separate medical conditions and stages not directly tied to the concept of epiphysis in bone development.