Flat bones

Flat bones are made up of a layer of spongy bone between two thin layers of compact bone. They have a flat shape, not rounded. Examples include the skull and rib bones. Flat bones have marrow, but they do not have a bone marrow cavity.

Open References

References

Standring S. The skull. In: Standring S, ed. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 34.

Standring S. Chest wall and breast. In: Standring S, ed. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 53.

Skull - illustration
The skull is the bony structure of the head and face. The cranium surrounds the brain with the temporal, frontal, parietal and occipital bones. The maxilla, or upper jaw, and the mandible, or lower jaw, support the facial features of nose, mouth and eyes.
Skull
illustration
Ribs and lung anatomy - illustration
The ribs are the skeletal protection for the lungs and the chest cavity. The ribs and rib muscles expand and contract with normal breathing.
Ribs and lung anatomy
illustration

Skull - illustration
The skull is the bony structure of the head and face. The cranium surrounds the brain with the temporal, frontal, parietal and occipital bones. The maxilla, or upper jaw, and the mandible, or lower jaw, support the facial features of nose, mouth and eyes.
Skull
illustration
Ribs and lung anatomy - illustration
The ribs are the skeletal protection for the lungs and the chest cavity. The ribs and rib muscles expand and contract with normal breathing.
Ribs and lung anatomy
illustration

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Tests for Flat bones

Review Date: 10/13/2023

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Health Library

Flat bones

References

Skull - illustration

Skull

Ribs and lung anatomy - illustration

Ribs and lung anatomy