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Flat bones
     
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Flat bones

 

Flat bones are made up of a layer of spongy bone between two thin layers of compact bone. They have a flat shape, not rounded. Examples include the skull and rib bones. Flat bones have marrow, but they do not have a bone marrow cavity.

 

References

Fillmore EP. Thoracic wall and breast. In: Standring S, Tubbs RS, Anand N, et al, eds. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 43rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 56.

Standring S. Skull. In: Standring S, Tubbs RS, Anand N, et al, eds. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 43rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 36.

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  • Skull

    Skull

    illustration

  • Ribs and lung anatomy

    Ribs and lung anatomy

    illustration

    • Skull

      Skull

      illustration

    • Ribs and lung anatomy

      Ribs and lung anatomy

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

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        Self Care

         

          Tests for Flat bones

           
           

          Review Date: 10/1/2025

          Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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