Flat Bones Flashcards
What are flat bones?
Thin and often curved bones that serve as points of muscle attachment and protect internal organs.
List examples of flat bones.
- Skull bones (frontal, lacrimal, nasal, occipital, vomer, parietal)
- Scapulae (shoulder blades)
- Sternum (breastbone)
- Ribs
- Coxal bones (hip bones)
What is the structure of flat bones?
Composed of two layers of compact bone with spongy bone (diploë) in between.
Do flat bones have a diaphysis, medullary cavity, or epiphyses?
No, flat bones do not have a diaphysis, medullary cavity, or epiphyses.
Where is bone marrow found in flat bones?
Within the spongy bone.
What advantage does the layered structure of flat bones provide?
It provides both strength and protection.
What happens if the outer layer of a cranial flat bone fractures?
The inner layer remains intact, protecting the brain.
What is the significance of the large surface area of flat bones?
It provides extensive muscle attachment.
How do bones receive blood supply?
Through a rich network of blood vessels entering via nutrient foramina.
What are nutrient foramina?
Small openings in bone allowing blood vessels and nerves to enter.
How do osteocytes in spongy bone receive nutrients?
From blood vessels in the periosteum.
What role do veins play in bone blood supply?
They collect blood from the marrow cavities and exit through foramina.
How do nerves function in bone?
They follow blood vessels into bones, concentrate in metabolically active areas, sense pain, regulate blood supply, and aid in bone growth.
Define diploë.
The spongy bone layer found inside flat bones.
True or False: Flat bones have a diaphysis.
False
