Classify the bones in the following diagram according to their shape.
a. _____

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the types of bones shown in the diagram by their shapes. The main bone shapes are long, short, flat, irregular, and sesamoid bones.
2. Step 2: Classify the 'Parietal bone' shown in the upper left and right parts of the diagram. Parietal bones are flat bones because they are thin, flattened, and usually curved.
3. Step 3: Look at the 'Vertebra' shown on the right side of the diagram. Vertebrae are irregular bones due to their complex shapes that do not fit into other categories.
4. Step 4: Identify the long bone shown on the left side of the diagram (likely a femur or humerus). Long bones are characterized by a shaft and two ends and are longer than they are wide.
5. Step 5: Examine the bones in the lower right corner, which are the bones of the hand (carpals, metacarpals, phalanges). Carpals are short bones (cube-shaped), while metacarpals and phalanges are long bones.

Key Concepts

Bone Classification by Shape

Bones are classified into four main shapes: long, short, flat, and irregular. This classification is based on their shape and structure, which relates to their function in the body. For example, long bones are longer than they are wide and primarily support weight and facilitate movement.

Long Bones

Long bones, such as the femur shown in the diagram, are characterized by a long cylindrical shaft and two ends. They function mainly in support and movement, acting as levers for muscles. These bones are mostly found in the limbs.

Flat and Irregular Bones

Flat bones, like the parietal bone in the skull, are thin and often curved, providing protection and large surface areas for muscle attachment. Irregular bones, such as vertebrae, have complex shapes that do not fit into other categories and serve specialized functions like protecting the spinal cord.