1.1 Skeletal Systems
P1 Describe the structure and function of the skeletal system.
In the following diagram on the right, The Axial Skeleton is shown in red and the Appendicular skeleton is shown in blue respectively.
Five Different Types of Bones
According to the shapes of the bones and their structure, bones can be classified accordingly.
The main 5 types of bones (in terms of their shape) are listed together with brief descriptions and examples of each.
1. Long Bones
2. Short Bones
3. Flat Bones
4. Irregular Bones
5. Sesamoid Bones Bone types
(Classified by shape) Description Example(s)
1. Long Bones
"Long bones" are longer than they are wide.
They consist of a shaft and are generally curved. • Femur (leg bone)
• Tibia (leg bone)
• Fibula (leg bone)
• …show more content…
Short Bones
"Short bones" are usually cuboid-shaped and small in size. • carpal bones
• tarsal bones (wrist bone)
• Hamate bone (wrist bone) and other wrist bones = carpal bones
• Cuboid bone (ankle bone)
•
3. Flat Bones
"Flat bones" as the name suggests, have a thin shape. They can sometimes offer mechanical protection to soft tissues. • Cranial bones (protecting the brain) o Frontal bone o Parietal bones
• Sternum (protecting organs in the thorax)•
4. Irregular Bones
"Irregular bones" do not have a standard shape. These bones have different purposes in the body. • Atlas bone
• Axis bone
• Hyoid bone
5. Sesamoid Bones
"Sesamoid bones" are usually the bones that are found in the joints of the body.
Majority of the sesamoid bones are un-named. • Knee caps Extra bone type
(Classified by location) Meaning / Description Example(s)
Un-named bones.
(6.) Sutural Bones
Sutural bones are tiny bones that are found specifically within the sutural joints that are between the cranial bones. Their classification is based on their location in the body and not based on shape.
Five Functions of the