Classification Of Bones Essay

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Function and Classification of Bones Classification of Bones The 206 named bones of the human skeleton are divided into two groups: axial and appendicular. The axial skeleton forms the long axis of the body and includes the bones of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. Generally speaking these bones protect, support, or carry other body parts. The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones of the upper and lower limbs and the girdles (shoulder bones and hip bones) that attach the limbs to the axial skeleton. Bones of the limbs help us move from place to place (locomotion) and manipulate our environment. Bones come in many sizes and shapes. For example, the pisiform bone of the wrist is the size and shape of a pea, whereas the femur (thigh bone) is nearly two feet long in some people and has a…show more content…
• Long bones, as their name suggests, are considerably longer than they are wide. A long bone has a shaft plus two ends which are often expanded. All limb bones except the patella (kneecap) and the wrist and ankle bones are long bones. Notice that these bones are named for their elongated shape, not their overall size. The three bones in each of your fingers are long bones, even though they are small. • Short bones are roughly cube shaped. The bones of the wrist and ankle are examples. Sesamoid bones are a special type of short bone that form in a tendon (for example, the patella). They vary in size and number in different individuals. Some sesamoid bones act to alter the direction of pull of a tendon. The function of others is not known. • Flat bones are thin, flattened, and usually a bit curved. The sternum (breastbone), scapulae (shoulder blades), ribs, and most skull bones are flat bones. • Irregular bones have complicated shapes that fit none of the preceding classes. Examples include the vertebrae and the hip bones. Functions of
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