5.2.1 Bone

Epiphysis

The ends of the long bone are called the epiphyses. Long bones are the only bones in our body that contain an epiphysis.

red bone marrow

blood cells, platelets and most white blood cells arise in red marrow

yellow bone marrow

which is mainly made up of fat cells.

flat bone

Flat bones are thin and have broad surfaces. The flat bones include the scapula (wingbone), the ribs, and the sternum (breastbone).

irregular bone

Irregular bones are irregular in size and shape and are usually quite compact. They include the bones in the vertebral column, the carpal bones in the hands, tarsal bones in the feet, and the patella (kneecap).

cartilage

It is a firm tissue but is softer and much more flexible than bone.

Long bones

Long bones have a tubular shaft and articular surface at each end. The major bones of the arms (humerus, radius, and ulna) and the legs (the femur, tibia, and fibula) are all long bones.

Short bone

Short bones also have a tubular shaft and articular surfaces at each end but are much smaller. The short bones include all of the metacarpals and phalanges in the hands, and the metatarsals and phalanges in the feet.

Compact BOne

forms the outer shell of all bone and also the shafts in long bones.

spongy bone

found at the expanded heads of long bones and fills most irregular bones. Spongy or cancellous bone consists of a lattice of thin threads of bone called trabeculae and is less dense than compact bone.

Diaphysis

shaft in the middle