The skeleton, which is the axial organ of the musculoskeletal system, contains different types of bones. They differ in form, structure and function.
Features of the structure of bone tissue
This kind of connective tissue has a typical structure. It consists of cells called osteocytes, and a substance filling the space between them. This fabric is unique in its chemical composition and properties. Organic substances, namely collagen fibers, give it elasticity. And mineral salts are strength. For example, the femur can withstand a load of several tons. And if inorganic substances are removed from bone tissue, then it will easily crumble.
Types of human bones: signs of classification
The classification of bones is based on several features. This is the shape, size and structure. Bone types also determine the function that they will subsequently perform. In shape it is long, short and wide. The former contain a cavity inside filled with yellow marrow. This structure provides long tubular bones with strength and lightness. At their ends is a spongy substance, between the elements of which there is a red bone marrow. This is the basis of the blood-forming cells of the body. Short and wide bones are completely formed by a spongy substance.
Bones are also paired and unparalleled in the body. The first group mainly forms the skull. These include temporal, zygomatic, parietal. Paired are also some bones of the belts and free limbs. These are clavicles, shoulder blades, beam, shoulder, pelvic. Examples of unpaired bones are the frontal, occipital, mandibular.
By location in the body, bones of the skeleton of the head (skull) and body are distinguished. The last group includes the spine, sternum and ribs. Also, according to this feature, the bones of the belts and free upper and lower extremities are distinguished. In total, there are more than 200 of them in the human body.
Table: bone types
| Bone types | Examples | Structural features |
| Long (tubular) | Femoral, tibial and small, humeral, radial, ulnar | The length of the bones of this species significantly exceeds the width. Above is the connective tissue layer - the periosteum. Due to it, an increase in thickness occurs. At the ends of the bone is the spongy substance in which the red bone marrow is located. This is the place where blood cells form. The bone cavity fills the yellow bone marrow. |
| Short | Frontal and parietal bones of the skull | The length and width of the bones of this type are approximately the same. They are completely formed by a spongy substance that covers a layer of compact substance. |
| Wide (flat) | Sternum, pelvic bones, ribs, shoulder blades | Bone area exceeds thickness. Formed by two plates, consisting of a compact substance, between which there is a spongy. Due to the large plane, they are the basis for muscle attachment. |
What are bones of the mixed type?
Very often, due to the complex structure of the bone, it cannot be attributed to the main type. They are called mixed. Such structures include vertebrae, sacrum, bones of the base of the skull, clavicle. They consist of several parts. So, the vertebra is formed by the body and processes, and the main function of this structure is to protect the spinal cord.
Types of bones and features of their connection
All bones in the human body are combined into a complex system using compounds of various types. The way they are attached to each other determines the function performed by the resulting structure. For example, flat and wide bones of the skull are connected motionless. This method is called a seam. This connection allows you to create reliable protection for the brain. Different types of skeleton bones differ in their features. For example, the ulnar, radial and knee joints move perfectly. This movable joint provides the basic function of this structure. It consists in ensuring the movement of individual parts and the skeleton as a whole. The spine, which is the axial structure of the body, is a semi-mobile connection. The thing is that between its individual elements there are cartilaginous layers. This structure provides cushioning during movement.
So, the main types of skeleton bones in the human body are tubular, short and wide. Their main differences are in the features of the internal structure, form, type of connection and the function performed.