Final answer:
Secondary ossification centers develop after birth and form the ends of the bones, in contrast to primary ossification, which occurs during fetal development and forms the central part of the bone. A sizable region between the two centers suggests that the individual is young, as it indicates that the growth plates are still present. Compact bone offers support and is denser, becoming the main structure in the diaphyses of mature bones.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the development of a long bone, there are both primary and secondary ossification centers. Primary ossification occurs during fetal development and forms the central part of the bone, known as the diaphysis. The secondary ossification centers form after birth, contributing to the development of the bone's ends, or epiphyses. As a bone matures, the compact bone becomes denser and is mainly found under the periosteum in the diaphyses, serving as a source of support and protection.
A large region between the ossification centers indicates the presence of a growth plate or epiphyseal plate, typifying that the individual is still growing. Hence, a person with a sizable gap is typically young. When skeletal maturity is reached, these growth plates close, and the shaft of the bone, known as compact bone, fully connects with the ends of the bone, indicating an older age.
Bone repair after a fracture is a process where the periosteum produces cells that develop into osteoblasts, leading to the formation of new bone matrix. The health and efficacy of bone repair can depend on factors like diet, age, and overall bone health.