The scapula is an example of which bone type?

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

Answer: (D)

Bone shapes are categorized by form. Flat bones are thin, curved plates that provide broad surfaces for muscle attachment and help protect underlying tissues. The scapula fits this pattern: it is a broad, flat, plate-like bone on the back of the shoulder girdle, rather than having a long shaft or a compact cube-like shape. That’s why it’s classified as a flat bone. Long bones have a shaft and ends, short bones are cube-like, and irregular bones have complex, varied shapes.