The Different types of Bones
There are 206 bones in the body which all play a special role in providing movement and function for the body. There are three different types of bones in the body: Appendicular, Axial, Flat bone, Irregular, Long bone, Sesamoid and short bones.
Appendicular: Appendicular bones are bones groups such as arms and legs which are attached off the main body structure. The word Appendicular comes from the word appendage which means ‘connected to something larger’, therefore, appendicular bones are joined to other larger bones to assist in locomotion (‘the ability to move from one place to another’) movement. Appendicular bones connect to the axis of the body and are made for action and movement.
Axial: Axial bones are all located in the upper body and provides protection the brain, the spinal cord, lungs and heart. Examples of Axial bones include: the spine (which is made up of 26 bones and provides structure for the upper body), the thorax (includes the ribs and sternum) and the skull (which is made up of 22 bones and houses the cranium).
Flat bone: flat bones are made up of spongy bone which is surrounded by smooth, flat and solid bone (hence its name. The purpose of flat bones is to protect organs such as the brain and the heart. Flat bones also provide attachment for muscles and shape for the body.
Irregular: Irregular bones have a spongy interior and are surrounded by layers of thin, compact bone. Irregular bones occur by default and do not fall into any of the other categories. Irregular bones vary in shape, size and texture, an example of an irregular bone is the vertebrae, hips and a few small bones which make up the skull. Irregular bones provide extremely significant mechanical support the body as well as protecting the spinal cord.
Long bones: Long bones play a very important part in the skeletal system providing strength, structure and mobility. Long bones bear a lot of weight which means they are extremely hard and dense –this provides strength. Long bones are commonly known for their shape, a long shaft with two bulging ends. Because of their content, Long bones produce red blood cells this is extremely important for the skeletal system and human body alike.
Sesamoid bones: Sesamoid bones are typically short and round in shape and are attached to a joint or tendon. Sesamoid bones are most commonly found in the hands and feet (an example would be the patella or Pisiform).
Short Bones: Short Bones are commonly quite irregular in shape, round and compact. The purpose of short bones is to provide stability and support. Short bones don’t allow for much movement apart from fine motor movement and quite strong. Due to their composition of a large amount of marrow and hard compact bone, short bones are extremely durable and withstand heavy impacts.
Appendicular: Appendicular bones are bones groups such as arms and legs which are attached off the main body structure. The word Appendicular comes from the word appendage which means ‘connected to something larger’, therefore, appendicular bones are joined to other larger bones to assist in locomotion (‘the ability to move from one place to another’) movement. Appendicular bones connect to the axis of the body and are made for action and movement.
Axial: Axial bones are all located in the upper body and provides protection the brain, the spinal cord, lungs and heart. Examples of Axial bones include: the spine (which is made up of 26 bones and provides structure for the upper body), the thorax (includes the ribs and sternum) and the skull (which is made up of 22 bones and houses the cranium).
Flat bone: flat bones are made up of spongy bone which is surrounded by smooth, flat and solid bone (hence its name. The purpose of flat bones is to protect organs such as the brain and the heart. Flat bones also provide attachment for muscles and shape for the body.
Irregular: Irregular bones have a spongy interior and are surrounded by layers of thin, compact bone. Irregular bones occur by default and do not fall into any of the other categories. Irregular bones vary in shape, size and texture, an example of an irregular bone is the vertebrae, hips and a few small bones which make up the skull. Irregular bones provide extremely significant mechanical support the body as well as protecting the spinal cord.
Long bones: Long bones play a very important part in the skeletal system providing strength, structure and mobility. Long bones bear a lot of weight which means they are extremely hard and dense –this provides strength. Long bones are commonly known for their shape, a long shaft with two bulging ends. Because of their content, Long bones produce red blood cells this is extremely important for the skeletal system and human body alike.
Sesamoid bones: Sesamoid bones are typically short and round in shape and are attached to a joint or tendon. Sesamoid bones are most commonly found in the hands and feet (an example would be the patella or Pisiform).
Short Bones: Short Bones are commonly quite irregular in shape, round and compact. The purpose of short bones is to provide stability and support. Short bones don’t allow for much movement apart from fine motor movement and quite strong. Due to their composition of a large amount of marrow and hard compact bone, short bones are extremely durable and withstand heavy impacts.
What are bones made of?
What are bones made of?
Bones are made up of a composition of collagen, protein, calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate and other minerals which help ensure that bones remain strong and flexible. However, Bones have many layers. These layers include:
· Periosteum (the outer surface) – this is a thin membrane which is made up of nerves and blood vessels which protect and nourish the bone to ensure it stays strong.
· Compact Bone: this is the hard bone which is seen when looking at a skeleton or model.
· Cancellous layer- This layer is within compact bone and appears quite spongy however, it is still fairly hard and strong.
· Bone Marrow- Bone marrow is similar to thick jelly and contains the components which make red blood cells before they enter into the blood system where white blood cells fight infection, platelets stop bleeding and red blood cells carry oxygen.
Bones are made up of a composition of collagen, protein, calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate and other minerals which help ensure that bones remain strong and flexible. However, Bones have many layers. These layers include:
· Periosteum (the outer surface) – this is a thin membrane which is made up of nerves and blood vessels which protect and nourish the bone to ensure it stays strong.
· Compact Bone: this is the hard bone which is seen when looking at a skeleton or model.
· Cancellous layer- This layer is within compact bone and appears quite spongy however, it is still fairly hard and strong.
· Bone Marrow- Bone marrow is similar to thick jelly and contains the components which make red blood cells before they enter into the blood system where white blood cells fight infection, platelets stop bleeding and red blood cells carry oxygen.