Flat bones
Flat bones
Flat bones (pronunciation: /flæt boʊnz/) are a specific type of bone found in the human body. They are one of the five types of bones in the human skeleton, alongside long bones, short bones, irregular bones, and sesamoid bones.
Etymology
The term "flat bone" is derived from the Old English flæt, meaning "flat", and the Latin os, meaning "bone". This is due to the flat, often thin, shape of these bones, which is distinct from the other types of bones in the body.
Function
Flat bones serve two main functions: protection and the provision of broad surfaces for muscular attachment. They protect vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs. The broad surfaces of flat bones also provide ample space for muscles to attach, allowing for a wide range of movement.
Examples
Examples of flat bones include the sternum, the ribs, the scapulae, and the most prominent flat bone, the cranium. These bones are all crucial to the body's function and structure.
Related terms
- Bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue that fills the interior of most bones, including flat bones.
- Osteocyte: A type of bone cell that maintains the mineral concentration of the bone matrix.
- Periosteum: A dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the surfaces of bones.
- Endosteum: A thin vascular membrane of connective tissue that lines the inner surface of the bony tissue that forms the medullary cavities of long bones.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Flat bones
- Wikipedia's article - Flat bones
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