MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Short bones

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Short bones

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Illustrations	Definition

Illustrations

Short bones

Definition Return to top

Short bones in the human body are cubelike -- the length, width, and height measurements are all about the same.

Short bones include the carpal bones (hands, wrist) and tarsal bones (feet, ankles).

Update Date: 7/25/2007

Updated by: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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