Types of Bones Short bones: Short bones are defined as being approximately as wide as they are long and

d have a primary function of providing support and stability with little movement. Examples of short bones are the Carpals and Tarsals - the wrist and foot bones. Short bones consist of only a thin layer of compact, hard bone with cancellous bone on the inside along with relatively large amounts of bone marrow. Compact bones main functions are to support the whole body and to protect organs. They also provide levers for movement and to shift weight and they store and release chemical elements. Cancellous bone is the spongy interior layer of bone that protects the bone marrow. It is made up of one or two types of osseous tissue that form bones. Long bones: The long bones are those that are longer than they are wide, and grow primarily by elongation of the diaphysis, with the epiphysis at the ends of the growing bone. Diaphysis is the main or mid section of a long bone. It is made up of covital bone and contains bone marrow and adipose tissue. Bone marrows functions are to produce new blood cells. Bone marrow is also a vital element of the lymphatic system, as it produces lymphocytes and acts to prevent the backflow of lymph. Flat Bones: Flat bones are as they sound, strong, flat plates of bone with the main function of providing protection to the bodys vital organs and being a base for muscular attachment. The classic example of a flat bone is the Scapula (shoulder blade). The Sternum (breast bone), Cranium (skull), Pelvis and Ribs are also classified as flat bones. Irregular Bones: These are bones in the body which present a non-uniform shape. Good examples of these are the Vertebrae, Sacrum and Mandible (lower jaw). Sesamoid Bones: Sesamoid bones are very small bones which are embedded in a tendon that help with joint movement. The most obvious example of this is the Patella which sits within the Patella or Quadriceps tendon.

There are 7 main functions of the skeleton. These seven functions are: The protection of vital organs. Certain bones in the skeleton have protective properties. The rib cage protects organs such as the heart and the lungs. The cranium protects the brain. Provision of structure. The skeleton acts as the framework of the body. The skeleton does this through rigid bones in the structure, allowing the body to hold itself upright without falling. Lever system. The skeleton acts as a lever system against which muscles pull to create movement. For example the hamstring pulls against the bones of the lower leg. Attachment: The bones in the skeleton act as attachments for muscles to pull against to create movement. An example of this is the bicep pulling against the Ulna in the upper arm. Production of red blood cells: The red marrow in bones produces red blood cells within the body. Shape: The skeleton provides shape for the body. The shape of the skeleton determines the height, width and body type. Mineral storage: The bones in the skeleton are able to store vital minerals such as calcium and phosphorus for later use.