What is the longest bone in the body?

The longest bone in the human body is the femur, also known as the thigh bone. Here's some information about it:

• Location: It's located in the thigh, extending from the hip joint to the knee joint.

• Function: The femur plays a crucial role in supporting the body's weight, enabling locomotion (walking, running, jumping), and providing attachment points for numerous muscles.

• Structure: It's a long bone with a shaft (diaphysis) and two ends (epiphyses). The head of the femur fits into the acetabulum (socket) of the hip bone, forming the hip joint. The distal end articulates with the tibia and patella to form the knee joint.

• Size: Its length varies depending on the individual's height, but it typically accounts for roughly 25-30% of a person's total height.

• Growth: Like other long bones, the femur grows from growth plates (epiphyseal plates) located near the ends of the bone. These plates close during adolescence, marking the end of longitudinal bone growth.

• Clinical Significance: The femur is susceptible to fractures, particularly in the elderly due to osteoporosis and in younger individuals due to high-impact trauma. Hip fractures, involving the head or neck of the femur, are particularly serious and require medical attention.