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List Of The 206 Bones In Our Body: Parts, Functions, Diagram, Facts

List Of The 206 Bones In Our Body: Parts, Functions, Diagram, Facts

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Sep 18, 2024 05:17 PM IST

The Human Skeletal System

The human skeletal system can be considered to be divided into axial skeleton and appendicular skeleton: axial, consisting of 80 bones involving the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage—that is, the central support and protection of vital organs—and appendicular, composed of 126 bones of limbs and girdles, which are involved in mobility functions. Bones are composed of collagen and calcium phosphate, which serve to provide bones with strength and a little flexibility. They tend to develop and grow by a process known as ossification, whereby the cartilage is progressively replaced by bone.

The Role Of Bones In The Human Body

Bones support structurally and maintain the form of the human body within the human body. For instance, the bones protect the organs such as the brain, the heart, and the lungs, which are among the important organs that are considered protection sites by the bones. Bones, in addition to the muscles, support movement. Other important functions that bones play include their function as a mineral reserve, specifically for calcium and phosphorus, and also for hematopoiesis—the production of blood cells within the bone marrow.

Anatomy Of Bones

Bones have a complicated anatomy

Structure of a Bone

  • Compact vs. Spongy Bone

  • Bone Marrow

  • Periosteum

Bone Cells

  • Osteoblasts, Osteocytes, and Osteoclasts

  • Role in Bone Growth and Repair

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Diagram: Bone Anatomy

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List Of 206 Bones In The Human Body

The human skeleton is composed of 206 bones, which are grouped into the axial and appendicular skeletons:

Axial Skeleton (80 Bones)

This includes:

Skull (22 Bones)

  • Cranial Bones (8)

  • Facial Bones (14)

Hyoid Bone (1)

  • Auditory Ossicles (6)

  • Vertebral Column (26)

  • Cervical Vertebrae (7)

  • Thoracic Vertebrae (12)

  • Lumbar Vertebrae (5)

  • Sacrum (1)

  • Coccyx (1)

Thoracic Cage (25)

  • Sternum (1)

  • Ribs (24)

Appendicular Skeleton (126 Bones)

This includes:

Pectoral Girdle (4)

  • Clavicles (2)

  • Scapulae (2)

Upper Limbs (60)

  • Humerus (2)

  • Radius (2)

  • Ulna (2)

  • Carpals (16)

  • Metacarpals (10)

  • Phalanges (28)

Pelvic Girdle (2)

  • Hip Bones (2)

Lower Limbs (60)

  • Femur (2)

  • Patella (2)

  • Tibia (2)

  • Fibula (2)

  • Tarsals (14)

  • Metatarsals (10)

  • Phalanges (28)

Bone Development And Growth

Bones develop and grow through:

Ossification Processes

  • Intramembranous Ossification

  • Endochondral Ossification

  • Growth Plates and Epiphyseal Lines

Factors Affecting Bone Growth

  • Nutrition

  • Hormones

  • Physical Activity

  • Genetics

Functions Of Bones

Bones perform several critical functions:

Mechanical Functions

  • Support

  • Movement

  • Protection

Metabolic Functions

  • Mineral Storage

  • Fat Storage

  • Acid-Base Balance

Hematopoietic Functions

  • Blood Cell Production

Bone Disorders And Diseases

Some common bone disorders and diseases are as follows:

Osteoporosis

The details about osteoporosis are given below:

Causes

  • Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause)

  • Deficiency in calcium and vitamin D

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Genetics

Symptoms

  • Bone pain and tenderness

  • Increased risk of fractures

  • Loss of height over time

  • Stooped posture

Prevention

  • Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D

  • Regular weight-bearing exercise

  • Avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol

  • Bone density screenings

Treatment

  • Medications such as bisphosphonates

  • Hormone replacement therapy

  • Lifestyle changes (diet and exercise)

  • Supplements (calcium and vitamin D)

Arthritis

Arthritis is of two types:

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

The details are given below:

Causes

  • Wear and tear of cartilage

  • Ageing

  • Joint injury

  • Obesity

Symptoms

  • Joint pain and stiffness

  • Loss of flexibility

  • Swelling around the joint

  • Bone spurs

Treatment And Management

  • Pain relief medications (NSAIDs)

  • Physical therapy

  • Joint injections (corticosteroids)

  • Surgery (joint replacement)

  • Lifestyle modifications (weight management)

Rheumatoid Arthritis

The details are given below:

Causes

  • Autoimmune disorder

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Environmental factors (e.g., infections)

Symptoms

  • Joint pain and swelling

  • Fatigue

  • Fever

  • Symmetrical joint involvement

Treatment And Management

  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

  • Biologic agents

  • Anti-inflammatory medications

  • Regular exercise and physical therapy

  • Joint protection techniques

Fractures

  • Healing Process

  • Hematoma formation

  • Fibrocartilaginous callus formation

  • Bony callus formation

  • Bone remodeling

Treatment

  • Immobilisation (casts, splints)

  • Reduction (realignment of the bone)

  • Surgery (if necessary, e.g., fixation with rods, screws)

  • Pain management

  • Physical therapy for rehabilitation

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many bones does the human body have?

An adult human body contains 206 bones.

2. Which is the smallest bone of the human body?

It is the stapes, inside the middle ear.

3. How do bones grow and develop?

Bones grow and develop through ossification, including the gradual replacement of cartilage with bone.

4. What are the major functions of the bones?

Bones provide a structural framework, protection for organs, movement, mineral storage, and manufacturing sites for blood cells.

5. How does the axial skeleton differ from the appendicular skeleton?

The axial skeleton comprises the central axis bones, while the appendicular skeleton includes limb bones and girdles.

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