4.2 Types of Bone
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Bones come in different shapes and sizes, depending on their role in the body. There are four main types of bones, each designed for specific functions like movement, protection, or support. Click on each icon below to learn more.
Text Description
Long Bones:
- Longer than they are wide
- Mostly found in the arms and legs
- Provide strength, support, and are essential for movement
Examples:
- Femur (thigh bone)
- Humerus (upper arm bone)
- Tibia and Fibula (lower leg)
- Radius and Ulna (forearm)
Quick Tip: Long bones typically act like levers. Muscles pull on them to create movement.
Short Bones:
- About as wide as they are long — roughly cube-shaped
- Provide stability and support, but allow limited movement
Examples:
- Carpals (wrist bones)
- Tarsals (ankle bones)
Quick Tip: Think of short bones like building blocks. They help create stable but highly moveable areas like your wrists and ankles.
Flat Bones:
- Thin, flat, and often slightly curved
- Protect vital organs and provide large surfaces for muscle attachment
Examples:
- Skull bones
- Ribs
- Sternum (breastbone)
- Scapula (shoulder blade)
Quick Tip: Flat bones often act like shields, protecting your brain, heart, and lungs.
Irregular Bones:
- Have complex, unique shapes
- Often protect nervous tissue or provide multiple points for muscle attachment
Examples:
- Vertebrae (spinal bones)
- Pelvis
- Certain facial bones
Quick Tip: Irregular bones don’t fit into other categories. They have special shapes for special jobs, like supporting the spine or forming your face.
