List of bones in the skeleton

List of Bones in the Human Skeleton

The human skeleton is a complex structure that serves as the framework for the body, providing support, protection for internal organs, and facilitating movement. Comprising over 200 bones at adulthood, the skeleton is categorized into two main parts: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. This article provides a comprehensive list of bones within these categories, highlighting their significance and roles within the human body.

Axial Skeleton

The axial skeleton forms the central axis of the human body and consists of 80 bones. It includes the bones of the skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage, and hyoid bone.

Skull

The skull is composed of 22 bones, divided into the cranial bones and facial bones. The cranial bones protect the brain, while the facial bones form the structure of the face.

• Frontal bone (1)
• Parietal bones (2)
• Temporal bones (2)
• Occipital bone (1)
• Sphenoid bone (1)
• Ethmoid bone (1)
• Facial bones include:

 * Nasal bones (2)
 * Maxillae (2)
 * Zygomatic bones (2)
 * Mandible (1)
 * Lacrimal bones (2)
 * Palatine bones (2)
 * Inferior nasal conchae (2)
 * Vomer (1)

Vertebral Column

The vertebral column, or spine, consists of 33 vertebrae, some of which are fused in the adult skeleton. It is divided into five regions:

• Cervical vertebrae (7)
• Thoracic vertebrae (12)
• Lumbar vertebrae (5)
• Sacrum (1, fused from 5 vertebrae)
• Coccyx (1, fused from 4 vertebrae)

Thoracic Cage

The thoracic cage, or rib cage, protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs. It consists of the sternum and 24 ribs.

• Sternum (1)
• Ribs (24)

Hyoid Bone

The hyoid bone (1) is a unique U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue and is associated with swallowing.

Appendicular Skeleton

The appendicular skeleton consists of 126 bones and includes the limbs and the girdles that connect them to the axial skeleton.

Pectoral Girdles

Each pectoral girdle, or shoulder girdle, connects the upper limb to the trunk and consists of:

• Clavicle (2)
• Scapula (2)

Upper Limbs

Each upper limb is composed of 30 bones:

• Humerus (1)
• Radius (1)
• Ulna (1)
• Carpal bones (8)
• Metacarpal bones (5)
• Phalanges (14)

Pelvic Girdle

The pelvic girdle, or hip girdle, connects the lower limbs to the spine and consists of:

• Hip bone (2, each formed from the fusion of three bones: ilium, ischium, and pubis)

Lower Limbs

Each lower limb consists of 30 bones:

• Femur (1)
• Patella (1)
• Tibia (1)
• Fibula (1)
• Tarsal bones (7)
• Metatarsal bones (5)
• Phalanges (14)

Conclusion

The human skeleton is a marvel of biological engineering, providing structural support, protection for vital organs, and enabling movement. Understanding the list of bones that compose the skeleton is fundamental for the study of anatomy, physiology, and medical sciences.