2025 term three hpe bone types and structure

long bones (description, purpose, example)

• longer than they are wide

• have long shaft + two heads

• all bones of the limbs are long bones

• act as a lever and helps support the weight of the body

• eg. humerus, radius, ulna, metacarpals (in fingers and toes), femur

short bones (description, purpose, example)

• small + compact

• somewhat cube-shaped

• found in confined spaces

• absorb force

• designed for strength and stability

• these bones support the wrist + ankle to keep the region stable + compact

• eg. carpals, tarsals

flat bones (description, purpose, example)

• thin and flat

• often slightly curved

• protect underlying organs

• provide broad dense surfaces for muscle attachment

• eg. cranium, ribs, scapula, pelvis

irregular bones (description, purpose, example)

• have unique shapes that cannot be classified as long, short or flat

• have varied shapes, many surfaces for attachment of muscles

• eg. vertebrae

periosteum

• thin, dense membrane on the surface of the bone contains nerves and blood vessels that help nourish bone tissue

compact (hard) bone

• solid, hard outside part that looks like ivory and is extremely strong

• holes and channels run through it, carrying blood vessels and nerves

• compact bone provides strength, protection, structure and mineral storage, while supporting movement

cancellous (spongy) bone

• which looks like a sponge, is inside compact bone

• made up of a mesh-like network of tiny pieces of bone called trabeculae

• where bone marrow is found

• lightweight support, shock absorption, and blood cell production

bone marrow

• soft bone marrow, which is found inside many bones, makes most of the body's red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets