The scapula is an example of which bone type?

The scapula is an example of which bone type?

• A. Long bones
• B. Short bones
• C. Irregular bones
• D. Flat bones

Answer: (D)

Bone shapes are categorized by form. Flat bones are thin, curved plates that provide broad surfaces for muscle attachment and help protect underlying tissues. The scapula fits this pattern: it is a broad, flat, plate-like bone on the back of the shoulder girdle, rather than having a long shaft or a compact cube-like shape. That’s why it’s classified as a flat bone. Long bones have a shaft and ends, short bones are cube-like, and irregular bones have complex, varied shapes.

Bone shapes are categorized by form. Flat bones are thin, curved plates that provide broad surfaces for muscle attachment and help protect underlying tissues. The scapula fits this pattern: it is a broad, flat, plate-like bone on the back of the shoulder girdle, rather than having a long shaft or a compact cube-like shape. That’s why it’s classified as a flat bone. Long bones have a shaft and ends, short bones are cube-like, and irregular bones have complex, varied shapes.