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There are two basic types of bone tissue found in the skeletal system, along with cartilage.
Spongy Bone - Texture results from needlelike threads of bone (trabeculae) surrounded by a network of open spaces. Spongy bone is found in epiphysis (ends) of long bones where the spaces contain red bone marrow responsible for reb blood cell formation.
Cartilage - Structural unit is chondrocyte, contains a gel-like matric and lacks blood vessels.
Individual bones are classified by their basic shape and placed into four basic groups:
Long - longer than they are wide, act as levers for the muscular system and bear the
Ex: femur, tibia, fibula
Short - basically shaped like a cube, allow skill and ease in movement
Ex: carpals and tarsals
Flat - have broad surfaces for basic function: to protect organs
Ex: skull, ribs, pelvic bones, shoulder blades
Irregular - doesn't fit into the other three categories
Ex: vertebrae
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