Long bones
Long bones
Long bones are a type of bone found in the human body. They are characterized by their elongated shape, and are typically longer than they are wide.
Pronunciation
Long bones: /lɒŋ boʊnz/
Etymology
The term "long bones" is derived from the Latin words "longus" meaning long, and "os" meaning bone.
Description
Long bones are one of the five types of bones in the human body, the others being short bones, flat bones, irregular bones, and sesamoid bones. They are primarily composed of compact bone tissue, with a central cavity filled with bone marrow. The ends of long bones are covered with articular cartilage which aids in joint movement.
Examples
Examples of long bones include the femur, tibia, and fibula in the leg, the humerus, radius, and ulna in the arm, and the phalanges in the fingers and toes.
Function
Long bones serve two main functions: support and movement. They provide a framework for the body, supporting the weight of the body and maintaining its shape. They also facilitate movement by providing points of attachment for muscles and acting as levers when the muscles contract.
Related terms
- Epiphysis: The end part of a long bone, initially growing separately from the shaft.
- Diaphysis: The shaft or central part of a long bone.
- Metaphysis: The narrow portion of a long bone between the epiphysis and the diaphysis.
- Periosteum: A dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces of the joints.
- Endosteum: A thin vascular membrane of connective tissue that lines the inner surface of the bony tissue that forms the medullary cavity of long bones.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Long bones
- Wikipedia's article - Long bones
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