Types of bones: shape, size, nature of joints

The skeleton, which is the axial organ of the musculoskeletal system, contains different types of bones. They differ in form, structure and functions.

Features of the structure of bone tissue

This type of connective tissue has a typical structure. It consists of cells called osteocytes, which fill 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 from the bone tissue remove the inorganic substances, then it will easily crumble.

Types of human bones: signs of classification

Several attributes are based on the classification of bones . This is the shape, size and structure. The types of bones also define the function that they will later perform. They are long, short and wide in shape. The first contain a cavity inside, filled with a yellow bone marrow. This structure provides long tubular bones strength and lightness. At their ends is a spongy substance between the elements of which is the red bone marrow. This is the basis of the hematopoietic cells of the body. Short and wide bones are completely formed by a spongy substance.

Bones are also paired and have no analogues in the body. The first group basically forms a skull. These include temporal, zygomatic, parietal. Paired are also some bones of belts and free limbs. These are clavicles, scapulae, radial, humeral, pelvic. Examples of unpaired bones are the frontal, occipital, and mandibular.

By location in the body, the bones of the skeleton of the head (the skull) and the trunk are distinguished. The last group includes the spine, sternum and ribs. Also on 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: Types of bones

What are bones of a mixed type?

Very often because of the complex structure of the bone can not be attributed to the main type. They are called mixed. Such structures include the vertebrae, the sacrum, the skull base, the clavicle. They consist of several parts. Thus, 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 with the help of compounds of various types. The way they are attached to each other, determines and the function of the received structure. For example, flat and broad bones of the skull are connected immobile. This method is called a seam. This connection allows to create reliable protection to the brain. Different types of bones of the skeleton differ in their features. For example, the elbow, the radial and the knee joint move perfectly. This mobile connection 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 compound. The thing is that there are cartilaginous layers between its individual elements. Such a structure provides amortization during the movement.

So, the basic types of bones of the skeleton 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.