The human skeleton consists of 206 bones in adults, and they can be classified based on their location and function.
Here's a clear structure:
1. Axial Skeleton (80 bones)
The axial skeleton forms the central framework of the body and includes:
a. Skull (22 bones)
- Cranial Bones (8): Protect the brain.
- Frontal bone (1)
- Parietal bones (2)
- Temporal bones (2)
- Occipital bone (1)
- Sphenoid bone (1)
- Ethmoid bone (1)
- Facial Bones (14): Form the face structure.
- Nasal bones (2)
- Maxillae (2)
- Zygomatic bones (2)
- Mandible (1)
- Palatine bones (2)
- Inferior nasal conchae (2)
- Vomer (1)
- Lacrimal bones (2)
b. Vertebral Column (26 bones)
- Cervical Vertebrae (7): Neck region.
- Thoracic Vertebrae (12): Upper back, rib attachments.
- Lumbar Vertebrae (5): Lower back.
- Sacrum (1): Fused vertebrae in the pelvis.
- Coccyx (1): Tailbone, fused vertebrae.
c. Thoracic Cage (25 bones)
- Sternum (1): Breastbone.
- Ribs (24):
- True ribs (1–7): Attached directly to the sternum.
- False ribs (8–10): Attached indirectly to the sternum.
- Floating ribs (11–12): Not attached to the sternum.
d. Other Axial Bones (7)
- Hyoid Bone (1): Supports the tongue.
- Ossicles of the Ear (6):
- Malleus (2)
- Incus (2)
- Stapes (2)
2. Appendicular Skeleton (126 bones)
The appendicular skeleton includes bones of the limbs and girdles that connect them to the axial skeleton.
a. Pectoral Girdle (4 bones)
- Clavicles (2): Collarbones.
- Scapulae (2): Shoulder blades.
b. Upper Limbs (60 bones)
- Arm Bones (6):
- Humerus (2): Upper arm.
- Radius (2): Forearm (thumb side).
- Ulna (2): Forearm (pinky side).
- Hand Bones (54):
- Carpals (16): Wrist bones.
- Metacarpals (10): Palm bones.
- Phalanges (28): Finger bones (3 per finger, 2 per thumb).
c. Pelvic Girdle (2 bones)
- Hip bones (2): Each made of three fused bones (ilium, ischium, pubis).
d. Lower Limbs (60 bones)
- Leg Bones (8):
- Femur (2): Thigh bone, the largest bone in the body.
- Tibia (2): Shinbone, larger lower leg bone.
- Fibula (2): Smaller lower leg bone.
- Patella (2): Kneecaps.
- Foot Bones (52):
- Tarsals (14): Ankle bones.
- Metatarsals (10): Foot bones.
- Phalanges (28): Toe bones (3 per toe, 2 per big toe).
Articles with 'Bone' in the title
- Thigh bone: Thigh bone (femur) is the longest and strongest bone in the human body. In the fitness context, the thigh bone is crucial for supporting weight-bearing activities, enabling movement, and providing attachment points for various muscles . . .
Summary
The human skeleton is divided into the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton, comprising a total of 206 bones. The axial skeleton forms the central framework, including the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage, which protect vital organs such as the brain, spinal cord, and heart. The appendicular skeleton includes the pectoral girdle, pelvic girdle, and the bones of the upper and lower limbs, facilitating movement and support. Bones are further classified by shape into long bones (e.g., femur), short bones (e.g., carpals), flat bones (e.g., ribs), irregular bones (e.g., vertebrae), and sesamoid bones (e.g., patella). Each bone plays a crucial role in protection, support, movement, and mineral storage. Click on the bone names to explore detailed descriptions of their structure, location, and function.
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