Which of the following best describes short bones?

Short bones are best described as roughly cube-shaped bones. These types of bones include the carpal bones of the wrist and the tarsal bones of the ankle. Their shape allows for stability and support while still enabling a certain degree of movement, particularly in the wrists and ankles.

In contrast, long bones, like the femur and humerus, are characterized by their elongated and cylindrical structure, which is suited for supporting weight and facilitating movement. Flat bones, such as the ribs and skull, serve protective roles and provide surface area for muscle attachment. Irregular bones, like the vertebrae, have complex shapes that do not fit into standard categories, serving various functions in the body. Therefore, the definition of short bones as roughly cube-shaped is both specific and accurate, distinguishing them clearly from these other categories.