The only short bones in the human skeleton are in the carpals of the wrists and the tarsals of the ankles. Short BonesĪ short bone is one that is cube-like in shape, being approximately equal in length, width, and thickness. Long bones function as rigid bars that move when muscles contract.

Long bones are found in the upper limbs (humerus, ulna, radius) and lower limbs (femur, tibia, fibula), as well as in the hands (metacarpals, phalanges) and feet (metatarsals, phalanges). Keep in mind, however, that the term describes the shape of a bone, not its size. Long BonesĪ long bone is one that is cylindrical in shape, being longer than it is wide. Figure 6.2.1 – Classifications of Bones: Bones are classified according to their shape. Like other structure/function relationships in the body, their shapes and their functions are related such that each categorical shape of bone has a distinct function. The 206 bones that compose the adult skeleton are divided into five categories based on their shapes ( Figure 6.2.1). Describe the function of each category of bones.Classify bones according to their shapes.By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Vertebrae flat bone