Why Are Bones Curved Rather Than Straight?

Question

Wouldn't curved bones weaken their strength, yet they are curved?

Answer 1

If you look at the long bones (arms and legs) they are actually relatively straight if you trace a line through their centre. The condyles give more of an impression of curvature.

I'm not an anatomist, but the probable reason bones are shaped the way they are is to be able to perform under varying loads and in varying positions.

Stress and loading on a perfectly straight bone would probably lead to more frequent breakage  and the muscle attachments might be at a greater disadvantage than they already are under certain loading conditions.

Like I said, I'm not an anatomist, so perhaps someone else can explain it more fully.

Answer 2

Hi Chase:

An anatomist proposed something that is now called Wolff's Law that basically says that the bones adapt (change shape and structure) in response to the forces they are experience.

Not being an engineer or a biomechanics person I can't give you much information on whether a curved shape is stronger than a straight one.

Answer 3

straight edges and skin dont match.