bone. Examples of long bones are: clavicle, humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, fibula, metacarpals,
metatarsals, and phalanges.
Short Bones are seen where a part of the skeleton is intended for strength and compactness
and they are very limited in movement. These bones consist of cancellous tissue, covered by a thin
layer of compact substance supported by the periosteum. Short bones include the patellae and
seamed bones.
Flat Bones are typically used for extensive protection or broad surfaces for muscular
attachment. These are very broad, flat plates, like the skull and the scapula. The basic structure of
the flat bones is two thin layers of compact tissue with cancellous bone in between them. Examples
of flat bones are: occipital, parietal, frontal, nasal, lacrimal, vomer, scapula, os coxae (hip bone),
sternum, and ribs.
Irregular Bones are named for their strange form, and that is why they cannot be grouped
under the preceding categories. They consist of cancellous tissue enclosed within a thin layer of
compact bone. The irregular bones are: vertebrae, sacrum, coccyx, temporal, sphenoid, ethmoid,
zygomatic, maxilla, mandible, palatine, inferior nasal concha, and hyoid.
Sesamoid Bones are usually found in areas where a tendon passes over a joint such as
the knee, hand or foot. They increase the tendons mechanical advantage and help to protect the
tendon from flattening into the joint.
For the strength and conditioning specialist, the skeletal system provides the framework
and support needed to perform the various movements that occur during exercise or sport. This
system has four major functions. It protects our vital organs, creates form and shape of our body,
creates the appropriate levers and structure to allow contractile tissue to produce movement, and
provides the body with new blood cells that are formed in the bone marrow.
Figure 1. The different types of bones