No, a rib is not classified as a long bone. Ribs are considered flat bones. The skeletal system consists of different types of bones, including long, short, flat, and irregular bones. Long bones, such as the femur and humerus, are characterized by their length, with a shaft and two ends, and are primarily responsible for supporting the body and facilitating movement.
Ribs, on the other hand, have a flattened structure and are primarily involved in protecting vital organs, such as the heart and lungs, as well as assisting with the respiratory process. Each rib has a curved shape and connects to the spine at the back, while most ribs attach to the sternum at the front via costal cartilage. This structure highlights the rib’s role in providing a protective cage around the thoracic cavity rather than serving as a lever for movement like long bones do.