List of the 206 Bones in Our Body

Human Skeletal System – Overview

The human skeletal system can be considered to be divided into axial skeleton and appendicular skeleton are axial consists 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 like a pelvic girdle and pectoral girdle which are involved in mobility functions.

How Many Bones Are in the Human Body?

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

Axial Skeleton (80 Bones)

The axial skeleton system includes:

Skull (22 Bones)

Cranial Bones (8)

• Frontal (1)

• Parietal (2)

• Temporal (2)

• Occipital (1)

• Sphenoid (1)

• Ethmoid (1)

Facial Bones (14)

• Nasal (2)

• Maxilla (2)

• Zygomatic (2)

• Palatine (2)

• Lacrimal (2)

• Inferior nasal concha (2)

• Vomer (1)

• Mandible (1)

Hyoid Bone (1)

• U-shaped

• Supports tongue and larynx

• Does not articulate with other bone

Auditory Ossicles (6)

• Malleus (2)

• Incus (2)

• Stapes (2)

• Transmit sound vibrations

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)

The appendicular skeleton system consists of the bones which are discussed below:

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)

Roles of Bones in the Human Body

The bones have following functions in the human body:

• Bones support structurally and maintain the form of the human body within the human body.

• 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.

• Other important functions that bones play include their function as a mineral reserve, specifically for calcium and phosphorus

• They also have a role in hematopoiesis, the production of blood cells within the bone marrow.

Anatomy of Bones

Bones are solid structures that make the skeleton of a human body, supporting, protecting, and helping it to move. Mostly made up of a collagen fibre matrix and mineral deposits in the form of calcium and phosphate, bones are both stiff and light. Outside, they have dense compact bone and inside spongy bone with bone marrow to produce blood. Bones are dynamic tissues, remodelled continuously by osteoblasts, the bone-forming cells, and osteoclasts, the bone-resorbing cells, to suit stresses or repair damage. They store minerals and maintain homeostasis in the body.

206 Bones in Human Body NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:

• Major components of skeletal system

• Physiology of skeletal system

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. Which tissue is Avascular and Aneural?

1. Epithelium

2. Tendons

3. Cartilage

4. Epithelium and Cartilage

Correct answer: 3) cartilage

Explanation:

Cartilage is avascular and aneural.

When cartilage lacks blood arteries it is said to be avascular. To absorb nutrients and eliminate waste it instead depends on diffusion from nearby tissues.

Aneural refers to cartilage that lacks a direct nerve supply because it lacks nerve cells. For this reason, under normal circumstances, cartilage is not responsive to pain.

An example of connective tissue is cartilage which gives joints, the nose, ears, and the respiratory tract support, flexibility, and cushioning. Compared to other bodily tissues, cartilage heals more slowly because it lacks blood arteries and nerves.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3)Cartilage.

Q2. The study of the skeletal system is known as

1. Osteology

2. Myology

3. Skeletology

4. Both a and c

Correct answer: 4) Both a and c

Explanation:

The human skeletal system is made up of a framework of bones and cartilage, providing structural support to the body. The study of this system is called osteology or skeletology. Besides offering protection to vital organs, the skeletal system plays a crucial role in enabling body movement by serving as points of attachment for muscles and acting as levers during motion.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4. both a and c.

Q3. The axial skeleton consists of

1. Skull

2. Vertebral column

3. Sternum and ribs

4. All of the above

Correct answer: 4) All of the above

Explanation:

In human beings, this system is made up of 206 bones and a few cartilages. It is grouped into two principal divisions –

• Axial skeleton: It is present on the median longitudinal axis of the body. It consists of the skull, vertebral column, sternum and ribs. It contains 80 bones.
• Appendicular skeleton: It is situated on the lateral sides which extend outwards from the principal axis. It consists of the pectoral and pelvic girdle and bones of arms and legs

Hence, the correct option is 4) All of the above

Also Read:

• MCQs on Human Skeletal System

• Human Body and Its Movements

• 5 major functions of the skeletal system

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