Classification of Bones

These flashcards cover the classification of bones based on their shape and significant examples of each classification.

Wormian bones

Also called sutural bones, these are small, flat bones found within the skull sutures.

Sutures

Fibrous joints between the bones of the skull where Wormian bones can be found.

Flat bones

Thin bones that protect underlying structures and provide large surfaces for tendon and ligament attachments, such as cranial bones, sternum, ribs, and scapula.

Irregular bones

Bones with complex shapes, including notches and processes, exemplified by the vertebrae.

Long bones

Bones that are longer than they are wide; the most common type of bone, with examples ranging from the large femur to small phalangeal bones.

Sesamoid bones

Small, flat bones that develop inside tendons, like the patella, which is present in everyone, while the presence of other sesamoid bones is highly variable.

Short bones

Bones that are roughly cube-shaped, with examples including carpals and tarsals.