MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Flat bones

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Flat bones

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Definition

Definition

Flat bones are made up of a layer of spongy bone between two thin layers of compact bone. Their shape is flattened, not rounded. Examples include the skull and ribs. Flat bones have marrow, but not a bone marrow cavity.

Update Date: 8/6/2007

Updated by: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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