What shape are small bones typically characterized by?

Small bones are typically characterized by a cuboid shape. This is particularly true for the bones found in the wrists and ankles, known as carpals and tarsals, respectively. These bones are generally short and resemble a cube or a cuboid form, which allows them to provide stability and support while enabling a range of motion within the joints.

In contrast, long bones are characterized by their elongated structure, which is found in the limbs such as the femur and humerus. Flat bones, like the skull bones, are thin and flat, serving functions like protection for vital organs. Irregular bones have complex shapes, such as the vertebrae, which do not fit into the other categories. Thus, the distinctive cuboid shape of small bones is important for their function and allows them to perform effectively in their anatomical locations.