Bones of various sizes and shapes make up the human skeleton. There are some small ones, like the inner ear bones, and other large ones, like the bones in our limbs and legs.
Bones are highly specialised connective tissue composed of an inorganic mineral component and a dense organic matrix. Bones are components of various shapes, sizes and densities, all of which comprise the skeletal system. Their mechanical strength and toughness distinguish them.
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Irregular Bones Definition
Bones can be classified as long, short, flat, and irregular bones based on their shape. The “irregular bones” refers to bones that perform various bodily functions, including protecting nerve tissue and providing support for the pharynx and trachea. They belong to the group of vertebrae and hip bones (coaxial bone) and are categorised as neither long, short, nor flat.
Irregular bones are made up of cancellous tissue encased in a thin layer of compact bone. The spinal column can be connected using irregular bones. The spine is the part of the body with the most irregular bones. Thirty-three irregular bones in total have been found here.
These irregular bones include the vertebrae, coccyx, sacrum, temporal, ethmoid, sphenoid, zygomatic, mandible, maxilla, inferior nasal concha, palatine, and hyoid.
The irregular bones can be affected by infections, trauma, fractures, osteoporosis, and osteomyelitis.
Functions of Irregular Bones
Spine
A collection of irregular bones known as vertebrae (33) constitute the spine or spinal cord. In addition to allowing us to twist and bend, our spine keeps us standing or sitting erect.
The spine protects the spinal cord. This vast network of nerves carries signals from the brain to the rest of our body.
Sacrum
This is a large, triangular-shaped bone near the base of our spine. The pelvis is stabilised and strengthened by this bone. Also, it protects the intestines and bladder.
Coccyx
The coccyx is also termed the tailbone. This bone serves as an attachment spot for ligaments, tendons, and muscles such as the gluteus maximus.
Temporal Bone
The sides and base of the skull contain temporal bones. They are located below our temples and hold the interior of the ears.
Sphenoid
The sphenoid is another bone that is a component of the skull. It is located at the front of the skull, in the middle. It is one of the seven bones that compose the orbit or the eye socket.
Ethmoid
In the skull, the ethmoid is another unpaired bone. It can be located at the roof of the nose, between the eye sockets or orbits, and divides the nasal cavities from the brain.
Zygomatic Bone
The zygomatic bone is generally known as the cheekbone. It joins and articulates with the frontal, temporal, sphenoid, and maxilla bones.
Maxilla and Mandible
The upper, fixed portion of our jaw is the maxilla. Our upper teeth are located in the maxilla, whereas our lower teeth are located in the mandible. The lower jaw is the mandible. When speaking and chewing, we can only move the mandible.
Palatine Bones
The palatine bones are situated in the throat above the uvula. They combine with the maxilla to form the hard palate. An opening in this bone allows arteries to pass through, allowing blood to circulate in the nasal cavity across that part of the body.
Inferior Nasal Concha
There are three nasal conchae in the nose, and the inferior nasal concha is one of them. Mucus lines the inside of these three nasal bones, which warms, moistens and cleans the air as it travels through the nasal cavity.
Hyoid Bone
The horseshoe-shaped hyoid bone is located between the neck and the chin. It is the single bone in the body not joined to any adjacent bones. The muscles of the tongue, epiglottis, larynx, pharynx, and mouth floor are attached to this bone.
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