List of human bones

List of Human Bones

The human skeletal system is a complex framework that provides structure, protection, and support to the human body. It consists of 206 bones in the adult body, each serving various functions including leverage, support, and protection of soft tissues. The bones are categorized into two main groups: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton includes the bones of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, while the appendicular skeleton comprises the bones of the limbs and girdles. This article provides a comprehensive list of human bones, categorized by their location within these two primary divisions.

Axial Skeleton

The axial skeleton forms the central axis of the human body and consists of 80 bones. It is divided into three major parts: the skull, the vertebral column, and the thoracic cage.

Skull

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

• Frontal bone
• Parietal bones (2)
• Temporal bones (2)
• Occipital bone
• Sphenoid bone
• Ethmoid bone
• Facial bones:
  • Nasal bones (2)
  • Maxillae (2)
  • Zygomatic bones (2)
  • Mandible
  • Lacrimal bones (2)
  • Palatine bones (2)
  • Inferior nasal conchae (2)
  • Vomer

Vertebral Column

The vertebral column, or spine, is made up of 33 vertebrae, some of which are fused in the adult human.

• Cervical vertebrae (7)
• Thoracic vertebrae (12)
• Lumbar vertebrae (5)
• Sacrum (fused from 5 sacral vertebrae)
• Coccyx (fused from 4 coccygeal vertebrae)

Thoracic Cage

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

• Sternum
• Ribs (24)

Appendicular Skeleton

The appendicular skeleton is responsible for movement and includes the bones of the limbs and the supporting pectoral and pelvic girdles.

Pectoral Girdle

The pectoral girdle, or shoulder girdle, connects the upper limbs to the trunk.

• Clavicle (2)
• Scapula (2)

Upper Limb

The upper limbs are attached to the pectoral girdle and consist of 30 bones in each limb.

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

Pelvic Girdle

The pelvic girdle, or hip girdle, connects the lower limbs to the axial skeleton.

• Hip bone (2)

Lower Limb

The lower limbs are attached to the pelvic girdle and consist of 30 bones in each limb.

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

Conclusion

The human skeletal system is a marvel of biological engineering, providing the framework that supports and protects the body's many organs and systems. Understanding the names and locations of the bones that comprise this system is essential for students of anatomy, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in the workings of the human body.