Final answer:
Long bones are characterized by their long shaft called the diaphysis and two ends called the epiphyses, which are filled with spongy bone containing red marrow for blood cell production. They are slightly curved to offer strength, and these bones include the femur, tibia, ulna, and radius.
Step-by-step explanation:
Long bones exhibit a greater length than width and are comprised of a central shaft known as the diaphysis, and typically two ends referred to as the epiphyses or extremities. The diaphysis is the tubular structure that runs between the proximal and distal ends of the bone and contains bone marrow within its medullary cavity. The epiphyses, which are the wider sections at each end of the bone, are capped with articular cartilage and contain spongy bone filled with red marrow that is vital for blood cell production. Long bones are also characterized by a slight curvature, which enhances their strength, making bones like the femur, tibia, ulna, and radius able to withstand various stressors during movement. Examples of bones that fall outside the long bone category include the patella and the bones of the wrist and ankle which are referred to as short bones.