The study of osteology is essential for understanding the structure of the skeleton, joint function, and musculoskeletal pathology. Given the large number of bones in the human body, using a consistent method to learn their features is beneficial. In this article, we shall look at a five-part framework for describing bones – site, shape, bony relations, attachments, and blood supply. This structure can be applied to any bone and forms the basis for effective anatomical learning. Department of Anatomy, University of East Anglia A 5-part framework for learning the anatomy of bones Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Site The site refers to the location of the bone within the body. This provides context for the region involved and the joints the bone participates in. Examples: The mandible is a bone of the face. The radius is a bone of the forearm. The femur is a bone of the thigh. Shape Bones can be classified by their shape, which often relates to their function and the forces they are designed to withstand. Common bone shapes include: Long bones – cylindrical in shape, longer than they are wide, and act as levers for movement (e.g. femur, humerus). Short bones – approximately equal in length, width, and thickness, providing strength and stability with limited movement (e.g. carpals, tarsals). Flat bones – thin, flattened bones that protect internal organs and serve as sites for muscle attachment (e.g. sternum, scapula). Irregular bones – complex shapes that do not fit into other categories, often with specialised functions (e.g. vertebrae, sphenoid bone). Sesamoid bones – small, round bones embedded within tendons that protect the tendon and improve its mechanical advantage (e.g. patella). Pneumatic bones – bones that contain air-filled spaces to reduce weight (e.g. maxilla, ethmoid). By OpenStax College [CC BY 3.0] Fig 1Classification of bone by shape Bony Relations The bony relations describe the bones that articulate with the bone in question. This provides information on joint formation and movement. Examples: The tibia articulates proximally with the femur and distally with the talus. The patella articulates proximally with the tibia at the tibial tuberosity. The fibula articulates at the proximal and distal ends of the tibia. Attachments Bones provide sites for muscle and ligament attachment. These locations are frequently used as anatomical landmarks in clinical and surgical practice. Examples: The scapular spine provides attachment for the trapezius along its superior border. The infraspinous fossa of the scapula provides attachment for the infraspinatus. The lateral border of the scapula provides attachment for the teres minor. Blood Supply Bones receive blood through nutrient arteries and periosteal vessels. This supply is essential for bone health and repair. Examples: The humerus is supplied by branches of the brachial artery. The femur receives blood from the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries. The radius is supplied by the radial artery. Print Article Rate This Article