BONES

Definition of Bone
- 0S (L); osteon (G).
- Osteology, ossification, osteomyelitis.
Classification of Bones
A. According to Shape
1. Long Bones:
a. Typical long bones e.g. humerus, femur.
b. Miniature long bones e.g. metacarpal,
metatarsal & phalanges.
c. Modified long bone e.g. clavicle.
2. Short Bones e.g. cuboid, cuneiform, trapezoid,
scapiod, carpal & tarsal bones.
3. Flat Bones
scapula.

e.g. vault of the skull, sternum,

4. Irregular Bones e.g. vertebra, hip bone.

5. Pneumatic Bones
ethmoid

e.g. maxilla, sphenoid,

6. Sesamoid Bones e.g. patella, pisiform.

7. Accessory Bones e.g. Sutural bone

B. Developmental classification
1.

Membrane Bones ossify in membrane e.g.

bones of vault of skull and facial bones.

2.

Cartilaginous Bones ossify in cartilage e.g.

bones of the limbs, vertebral column and thoracic
cage.

3.

Membrano-Cartilaginous
Bonesossify
partly in membrane and partly in cartilage, e.g.
clavicle, mandible.

C. Regional Classification
1. Axial skeleton
2. Appendicular skeleton
D. Structural Classification
1. Macroscopical: a. Compact e.g. cortex of long
bones.
b. Cancellous spongy or
trabecular bone.
2. Microscopical:

a. Lamellar bone mature

human bone.
b. Fibrous bone young foetal
bones.
c. Dentine

d. Cement

occur in teeth

Medicolegal and Anthropological Aspects

1.
2.
3.
4.

Estimation of skeleton age

Estimation of sex
Estimation of stature (Height)
Estimation of race

Blood supply of lone bone is derived from the:

a.
b.
c.
d.

Nutrient arteries
Periosteal arteries
Epiphyseal arteries
Metaphyseal arteries

Nerve Supply of Bones

Nerves accompany the blood vessels. Most of them
are sympathetic and vasomotor in function. A few of
them are sensory which are distributed to the articular
ends and periosteum of the long bones.
Functions of Bones
1. Give shape and support to the body.
2. Resist all form of stress.

3. Provide surface for the attachment of muscles,

tendons, ligaments, etc.
4. They serve as levers for muscular actions.
5. Protect the brain, thoracic viscera & spinal cord.
6. Bone marrow manufactures blood cells.
7. Bones store 97% of body calcium and phosphorus.
8. Bone marrow contains cell that take part in the
immune responses of the body.
9. The larger paranasal air sinuses affect the timber of
the voice.
Applied Anatomy
1. Periosteum is particularly sensitive to tearing and
tension. Fracture, tumours and infections of the
bone are very painful.
2. Bone supply of bone is so rich that it is very
difficult to interrupt it sufficiently to kill the bone.
3. Fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone
- Simple (closed) fracture not connected with
skin
- Compound (open) fracture communicates with
skin wound.
4. Rickets (deficiency of vitamin D) calcification of
cartilage fails and ossification of the growth zone is
disturbed.

5. Scurvy (deficiency of vitamin C), formation of

collageneous fibres and matrix is impaired. The
normal architecture at the growing ends of the bone
is lost.
6. Many skeletal defects are caused by genetic factors,
or by a combination of:
- genetic
- hormonal
- nutritional
- pathological factors