Long/Short/Flat/Irregular/Sesamoid Flashcards
What is the shape of long bones?
Cylindrical, longer than they are wide.
What is the primary function of long bones?
Act as levers to facilitate movement when muscles contract.
Name three examples of long bones in the arms.
- Humerus
- Ulna
- Radius
List two long bones found in the legs.
- Femur
- Tibia
- Fibula
What is the shape of short bones?
Cube-like; nearly equal in length, width, and thickness.
What is the primary function of short bones?
Provide stability and support, allow limited movement.
Name two examples of short bones.
- Carpals (wrists)
- Tarsals (ankles)
Describe the shape of flat bones.
Thin, often curved.
What are the two primary functions of flat bones?
- Serve as muscle attachment points
- Protect internal organs
List three examples of flat bones.
- Skull bones (cranial bones)
- Scapulae (shoulder blades)
- Sternum (breastbone)
- Ribs
What is the shape of irregular bones?
Complex, irregular shape; do not fit into other classifications.
What is the primary function of irregular bones?
Often protect vital structures and provide support.
Name two examples of irregular bones.
- Vertebrae
- Facial bones (e.g., bones containing sinuses)
What is the shape of sesamoid bones?
Small, round, shaped like a sesame seed.
What is the primary function of sesamoid bones?
- Form within tendons exposed to high pressure
- Protect tendons by reducing friction and compression forces
Give an example of a sesamoid bone that is present in everyone.
Patella (kneecap)
Fill in the blank: Sesamoid bones vary per person and are found in tendons of the _______.
[feet, hands, and knees]
