Where are short bones typically found?

• A. In the spine
• B. In the carpals and tarsals
• C. In the skull
• D. In the femur

Answer: (B)

Short bones are cube-shaped bones whose main job is to provide stability with limited movement. They’re most commonly found in the wrists and ankles—the carpals and the tarsals. These bones allow precise hand and foot movements while withstanding compressive forces. The spine is made of irregular bones (vertebrae), the skull comprises flat bones, and the femur is a long bone, so they don’t represent the typical location for short bones. Hence, carpals and tarsals are where short bones are typically found.