Identify the statement that incorrectly explains the type and function of a bone.

• A. The ribs are flat bones that protect the lungs and the heart.
• B. The vertebrae are irregular bones that provide structural support to the body.
• C. Finger bones (phalanges) are short bones that help in movement.
• D. The femur is a long bone that bears the body’s weight and enables movement.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Review the classification of bones based on their shapes and functions. The main types include long bones, short bones, flat bones, and irregular bones.
2. Step 2: Understand the characteristics of each bone type: Long bones are longer than they are wide and primarily support weight and facilitate movement; short bones are roughly cube-shaped and provide stability with some movement; flat bones are thin and protect internal organs; irregular bones have complex shapes and provide support and protection.
3. Step 3: Analyze each statement in the problem: The ribs are flat bones protecting lungs and heart (correct), vertebrae are irregular bones providing structural support (correct), femur is a long bone bearing weight and enabling movement (correct).
4. Step 4: Focus on the statement about finger bones (phalanges) being short bones that help in movement. Recall that phalanges are actually classified as long bones because they are longer than they are wide and primarily facilitate movement.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the incorrect statement is the one describing phalanges as short bones, since they are anatomically long bones, not short bones.