Flat Bones

A flat bone is one of the types of bones classified by shape.

Flat bones have a thin shape and, in some cases, provide mechanical protection to soft tissues beneath or enclosed by the flat bone e.g. cranial bones that protect the brain.
Flat bones also have extensive surfaces for muscle attachments e.g. scapulae (shoulder) bones.

Examples:

• Cranial bones (protecting the brain) e.g.
  • Frontal bone
  • Parietal bones
• Sternum (protecting organs in the thorax)
• Ribs (protecting organs in the thorax)
• Scapulae (shoulder blades).

The following books may also be of interest:

This section is about
Bone Types, i.e. the different shapes of bones.
To read about the other shapes of bones use the links on the left-side of this page or see Types of Bones (all on 1 page).