List of bones

List of Bones is an essential article that provides comprehensive information about the human skeletal system, which is a crucial component of human anatomy. The skeletal system serves multiple roles; it provides structure to the body, protects vital organs, facilitates movement by acting as levers for muscles, and is involved in the production of blood cells in the bone marrow. This article aims to enumerate and briefly describe the major bones found in the human body, categorized by their respective locations within the skeletal system.

Axial Skeleton

The axial skeleton forms the central axis of the human body and includes the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.

Skull

The skull is a complex structure comprising 22 bones that are mostly fused together. It is divided into two parts: the cranium, which houses and protects the brain, and the facial bones, which form the structure of the face.

• Frontal bone – forms the forehead.
• Parietal bones (2) – located on either side of the skull.
• Temporal bones (2) – found at the lower sides of the skull.
• Occipital bone – forms the back of the skull.
• Sphenoid bone – contributes to the base of the skull.
• Ethmoid bone – located between the eyes.
• Facial bones include the mandible, maxilla, nasal bones, and others.

Vertebral Column

The vertebral column, or spine, is made up of 33 vertebrae that are divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.

• Cervical vertebrae (7) – form the neck.
• Thoracic vertebrae (12) – anchor the ribs.
• Lumbar vertebrae (5) – support the lower back.
• Sacrum – 5 fused vertebrae.
• Coccyx – 4 fused vertebrae forming the tailbone.

Thoracic Cage

The thoracic cage protects the heart and lungs.

• Ribs (24) – 12 pairs attached to the thoracic vertebrae.
• Sternum – the breastbone.

Appendicular Skeleton

The appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the limbs and the girdles (shoulder and pelvic) that attach them to the axial skeleton.

Shoulder Girdle

• Clavicle – the collarbone.
• Scapula – the shoulder blade.

Upper Limb

• Humerus – upper arm bone.
• Radius and Ulna – forearm bones.
• Carpal bones (8) – wrist bones.
• Metacarpal bones (5) – form the palm.
• Phalanges (14) – bones of the fingers.

Pelvic Girdle

• Pelvis – composed of the ilium, ischium, and pubis.

Lower Limb

• Femur – thigh bone, the longest bone in the body.
• Patella – kneecap.
• Tibia and Fibula – lower leg bones.
• Tarsal bones (7) – ankle bones.
• Metatarsal bones (5) – form the arch of the foot.
• Phalanges (14) – bones of the toes.

Conclusion

This list encompasses the major bones of the human body, organized into the axial and appendicular skeletons. Understanding the structure and function of these bones is fundamental to the study of human anatomy and physiology.