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Short Bone
Definition
A short bone is a type of bone classified by its shape. It is roughly cuboidal (cube-like) - approximately equal in length, width, and height. Short bones consist of a thin outer shell of compact (cortical) bone enclosing an interior of spongy (cancellous/trabecular) bone throughout, with no true medullary (marrow) cavity like that seen in long bones.
The image above (E) shows a short bone compared to long bone and flat bone types.
Examples
| Location | Bones |
|---|---|
| Wrist (carpus) | Scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate |
| Ankle (tarsus) | Calcaneus, talus, navicular, cuboid, cuneiforms |
Structure
- Outer layer: Compact (cortical) bone - dense, hard shell
- Interior: Spongy (trabecular/cancellous) bone - network of spicules enclosing red bone marrow
- No diaphysis (shaft) - unlike long bones
- Covered by periosteum except at articular surfaces, where hyaline cartilage is present
- Vascular supply: Nutrient arteries enter the bone and supply the marrow and inner compact bone; periosteal vessels supply the outer layers
Functions
Short bones are designed primarily for strength and support with limited movement. They:
- Transmit and distribute compressive forces (especially in the wrist and ankle)
- Allow gliding/sliding movements between adjacent bones
- Provide a stable base for weight-bearing and fine motor tasks
Classification in Context
Bones are classified by shape into five types:
| Type | Shape | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Long | Tubular, length > width | Humerus, femur, tibia |
| Short | Cuboidal | Carpals, tarsals |
| Flat | Two compact plates + spongy bone between | Skull, scapula, sternum |
| Irregular | Various shapes | Vertebrae, facial bones |
| Sesamoid | Round/oval, in tendons | Patella, thumb sesamoids |
Sources: Gray's Anatomy for Students, p. 30; Color Atlas of Human Anatomy Vol. 1, p. 50
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