The Skeletal System
This strong, resistant structure is made up of bones
and supporting cartilage and ligaments. Our form
and structure comes from our skeletal system, and it
protects our internal organs. We are also able to move
because of our skeletal system, in conjunction with our
muscular system. The bone marrow within the centre
of bones also produces blood cells.
There are several types of bones,
which are generally classified into
the following groups:
Clavicle
Humerus
Long bones
These are bones such as the femur. They are
longer than they are wide, and are the main bones
in the limbs. These bones grow more in childhood
than the other types and are responsible for most
of our height. They tend to have a central section
which lies between two end points called the
epiphyses.
Radius
Ulna
Short bones
These are bones such as the heel bones which are
about as long as they are wide and can often be
round or cubed in shape.
Flat bones
Femur
The ribs, hips and most bones of the cranium are
flat bones. They range in size and shape but they
are all very thin in one direction.
Irregular bones
These take various shapes that don't fit the pattern
of long, short or flat bones. For example the
coccyx and wedge-like sphenoid bones in the skull
are irregular bones.
Fibula
Tibia
Sesamoid bones
These bones are small and round. These form after
birth to protect tendons from stress and strain at
the joint. The patella is a sesamoid bone.
Cuneiforms
Metatarsals
Phalanges
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