Carpals (wrist bones) are an example of which bone category?

Carpals (wrist bones) are an example of which bone category?

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

Answer: (A)

Carpals are short bones. Short bones are roughly cube-shaped, about as wide as they are long, and provide stability with limited movement. The eight small carpal bones in the wrist form a compact, stable joint that allows a range of wrist motions without acting as long levers. Other bone types differ by shape: long bones are elongated and act as levers (like arm and leg bones), flat bones are thin and curved for protection and muscle attachment, and irregular bones have complex shapes (like vertebrae). So the carpals fit the short bones category.

Carpals are short bones. Short bones are roughly cube-shaped, about as wide as they are long, and provide stability with limited movement. The eight small carpal bones in the wrist form a compact, stable joint that allows a range of wrist motions without acting as long levers. Other bone types differ by shape: long bones are elongated and act as levers (like arm and leg bones), flat bones are thin and curved for protection and muscle attachment, and irregular bones have complex shapes (like vertebrae). So the carpals fit the short bones category.