Musculoskeletal System - 4 | Bone Types | Long | Short | Flat | Irregular | Sesamoid Bones

Bone types can be classified according to the shape and size of the bone. The shapes of bones reflect their functions. It is useful when describing specific bones to begin by stating the type of bone in relation to its shape; for example, the scapula is a large, flat, triangular bone. In terms of bone shape there are five main types of bone: 1. Long bones 2. Short bones 3. Flat bones 4. Irregular bones 5. Sesamoid bones. Short, irregular, flat and sesamoid bones have no shafts or extremities and are diverse in shape and size. Examples include: Short bones — carpals (wrist) Irregular bones — vertebrae and some skull bones Flat bones — sternum, ribs and most skull bones Sesamoid bones — patella (knee cap).