Bones of the Skeletal System

Front

What is the fibula?

Back

The fibula is a long, thin bone located on the lateral side of the tibia in the lower leg. It is not weight-bearing and serves mainly for muscle attachment.

Front

What are short bones?

Back

Short bones are roughly cube-shaped and provide stability and support with little movement. Examples include the bones of the wrist (carpals) and ankle (tarsals).

Front

What are vertebrae?

Back

Vertebrae are the individual bones that make up the vertebral column (spine). They protect the spinal cord and provide structural support.

Front

What is the femur?

Back

The femur, or thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the human body, connecting the hip to the knee.

Front

What are irregular bones?

Back

Irregular bones have complex shapes that do not fit into the other categories (long, short, flat). Examples include the vertebrae and certain facial bones.

Front

What is the role of the patella?

Back

The patella, or kneecap, protects the knee joint and improves the leverage of the thigh muscles.

Front

What are flat bones?

Back

Flat bones are thin and flat, providing protection to internal organs and a surface for muscle attachment. Examples include the skull, ribs, and sternum.

Front

What is the pelvic girdle?

Back

The pelvic girdle is a bony structure that connects the spine to the lower limbs, consisting of the hip bones (ilium, ischium, and pubis).

Front

What is the difference between the tibia and fibula?

Back

The tibia, or shinbone, is the larger and stronger of the two lower leg bones, while the fibula is thinner and located on the outside.

Front

What are sesamoid bones?

Back

Sesamoid bones are small, round bones that form within tendons, such as the patella. They help reduce friction and improve the mechanical advantage of muscles.