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Chapter 10: Bone Tissue and the Skeletal System Back To Chapter

10.3: Classification of Bones

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Classification of Bones

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The adult human skeleton typically comprises 206 bones, which are primarily classified on the basis of shape as long, short, flat, and irregular.

Long bones are cylindrical and longer than they are wide. Most bones in the limbs, such as the femur, humerus, and finger bones, are of this type.

In contrast, short bones have a cube-like appearance, with roughly equal sides. The carpals of the wrist and tarsals of the ankle are examples of short bones.

Sesamoid bones are similar to short bones but are more rounded and flatter and are embedded within tendons or muscles. The patella, or kneecap, is a sesamoid bone found at the knee joint.

The third type is flat bones, exemplified by the scapulae, sternum, and bones of the skull. They are thin, and plate-like, and though termed flat, are usually curved.

Lastly, bones with complex shapes are classified as irregular bones. For example, the vertebrae and facial bones have flat surfaces, arches, and multiple processes that give them a composite, irregular shape.

10.3: Classification of Bones

The bones of the human skeletal system are of varied shapes, sizes, and functions. They can be classified based on their shape and function into four major classes: long bones, short bones, flat bones, and irregular bones. Some classifications include a fifth type, the sesamoid bones, as a separate class, whereas others categorize them under short bones.

Long and Short Bones

The appendicular skeleton, particularly the upper and lower limbs, is primarily made of long and short bones. The long cylindrical bones include bones in the upper limbs (humerus, radius, and ulna) and those of the lower limbs (tibia, fibula, and femur). Long bones are defined as longer in length than their width, but can also be small in size, such as those in the fingers and toes (phalanges, metacarpals, and metatarsals). In contrast, short bones have a more cube-like appearance, as seen in the wrist and ankle bones. Both long and short bones typically function to bear weight and support movement.

Sesamoid bones are similar to short bones but have a flatter, rounded appearance. They are embedded in tendons and function to distribute force and reduce damage to the tendons. The largest sesamoid bone in humans is the patella (knee cap). Smaller ones, found in the thumb, index finger, wrist, and foot, can vary in number and placement from person to person.

Flat and Irregular Bones

Flat bones are usually found in the axial skeleton. They function as protective structures and provide large areas for muscle attachment. The cranial bones, sternum, ribs, scapulae, and pelvic bones are all categorized as flat bones.

An irregular bone has no easily characterized shape and therefore does not fit any other classification. These bones tend to have more complex shapes, like the vertebrae that support the spinal cord and protect it from compressive forces. Many facial bones, particularly the ones containing sinuses, are classified as irregular bones.

Part of this text is adapted from Openstax, Anatomy and Physiology 2e, Section 6.2: Bone Classification

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Classification Of Bones Long Bones Short Bones Flat Bones Irregular Bones Sesamoid Bones Appendicular Skeleton Upper Limbs Lower Limbs Humerus Radius Ulna Tibia Fibula Femur Phalanges Metacarpals Metatarsals Wrist Bones Ankle Bones Weight-bearing Bones Support Movement Tendons Patella (knee Cap) Protective Structures

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