The bones of the human body are also known as the skeletal system as a whole. The human body consists of 206 bones. Bones consist of cells called osteocytes.
Different kinds of bones
Flat Bones - Flat bones are relatively flat, with no irregular shapes. The flat bones protect things. Some examples are:
- Skull
- Ribs
- Sternum
Long Bones - Long bones are longer than they are wide. Long bones support the body. Some examples are:
- Tibia
- Fibular
- Humerous
- Radius
- Ulna
Short Bones - Short bones are the same length and width. Short bones are for stability and movement. Some examples are:
- Wrists
- Ankles
Irregular Bones - Irregular bones have different shapes and structures. Irregular bones help protect internal organs. Some examples are:
- The Vertabrae
- Ilium
Injuries to bones - Fractures
Fractures are when bones are pushing to their limit and the bone breaks. Some kinds of fractures are:
- Simple/Closed Fracture - Happens when too much pressure is applied and the bone cannot handle it. This kind of fracture can be incomplete or complete breaks and do not pierce the skin.
- Compound/Open Fracture - When the fracture pierces the skin.
- Greenstick Fracture - An incomplete break that is in the shaft of a bone, usually occurs in children.
- Comminuted Fracture - Happens when too much pressure is applied on to a bone and causes it to break into three or more pieces.
- Stress Fracture - Occurs when a bone is overused to much and has too much stress on it, the bone cannot handle it so it breaks it.
- Epiphyseal Plate Fracture - A break in the bone of the growth plate, usually occurs in children.
Functions of Bones
The bones of the human body have many different fuctions that help the body survive. Some are:
- Movement - When muscles are attached to bones and they contract it creates movement.
- Support - Bones are the reason humans are shaped the way they are.
- Storage & Release - Bones store minerals and then release them when the body needs them.
- Protection - Bones help protect the internal organs from getting harmed.
- Blood Cell Production - Red bone marrow produces red and white blood cells and platlets.
- Energy Storage - As people grow older most bone marrow changes to yellow and stores adipose tissues containg lipids.
Structure of Bones
There are two types of bones.
- Spongy - Found at the ends of long bones, as well as in the skull, the vertebrae in the spinal column, and more. It is very porous and contains red bone marrow.
- Compact - Microscopic canals that appear to be a solid mass. Contains vessels, nerves, and osteocytes.