Definition
noun
Lines near the end of a juvenile long bone (e.g. tibia), detected through radiographs (e.g. by X-ray), and indicate episodes of temporary slowing or cessation of bone growth due to physiological stress (e.g. malnutrition) in childhood
Supplement
Harris lines are detected in children who suffered from malnutrition, disease, or other physiological stress. These lines though may disappear in adulthood during bone remodeling.
Harris lines were named after Henry Albert Harris (a Welsh anatomist).
Synonym(s):
- growth arrest lines
