6.3: bones (location and shape)

Axial skeleton

The skull, vertebral column, and rib cage; protects, supports, or carries other body parts.

Appendicular skeleton

The bones of the upper and lower limbs and the girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton; allows movement and manipulation of the environment.

Long bones

Bones that are longer than they are wide and have a definite shaft and two ends; include all limb bones except patellas and wrist and ankle bones.

Short bones

Somewhat cube-shaped bones; include the carpals, tarsals, and patellas.

Flat bones

Thin, flattened, often curved bones; include most skull bones, the sternum, scapulae, and ribs.

Irregular bones

Bones with complicated shapes that do not fit into any other class; examples include vertebrae and hip bones.