What type of bone is most commonly associated with protecting the central nervous system?

The type of bone most commonly associated with protecting the central nervous system is flat bones. Flat bones have a thin and flattened shape, which allows them to form protective barriers around vital organs. In the context of the central nervous system, the skull is primarily composed of flat bones, including the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital bones. These bones encase the brain, serving as a critical protective structure against physical impacts and injury.

While irregular bones typically provide support and protection for organs (such as the vertebrae protecting the spinal cord), they are not primarily associated with the central nervous system in the same way that the flat bones of the skull are. Long bones and short bones also serve specific functions, such as providing leverage and support for movement or facilitating weight bearing, but they do not provide the same level of protection for the brain and spine as flat bones do.