This material was contributed from collections at the National Agricultural Library. However, users should direct all inquires about the contents to authors or originating agencies. This organic matter gives resilience and toughness to bones. These salts give hardness and rigidity to bones. 2 Classification of Bones Long bones are greater in one dimension than the other.
Long bones function chiefly as levers and aid in support, locomotion and prehension.
The best examples of long bones are found in the limbs. 3 Short bones are somewhat cuboidal, or approximately equal in all dimensions. Short bones function in absorbing concussion, and are found in complex joints such as the knee or hock where a variety of movements, as well as absorption of shock are required. 4 Flat bones are relatively thin, and expanded in two dimensions. 5 Sesamoid bones resemble a sesame seed and are developed along the course of tendons to reduce friction or change the course of tendons.