Comprehensive Overview of the Human Skeletal System

October 08, 2023

Comprehensive Overview of the Human Skeletal System

The human body has 206 bones. Here is a list of them:

Axial Skeleton (80 bones)

The term “axial” means “relating to or forming an axis”. In the context of anatomy, the “axial skeleton” refers to the central core of the human body, including the skull, spine, and rib cage. These bones form the main axis of our body, providing support and protection for our brain, spinal cord, and vital organs. It has 80 bones. These bones help protect our brain, spinal cord, and organs. They also give muscles a place to attach so we can move our head, neck, and body.

Skull: Occipital bone, 2 Parietal bones, Frontal bone, 2 Temporal bones, Ethmoid bone, Sphenoid bone
Facial Bones: 2 Lacrimal bones, 2 Maxillae, 2 Nasal bones, 2 Palatine bones, 2 Zygomatic bones, 2 Inferior nasal concha, Mandible, Hyoid Bone, Vomer
Ear Bones: 2 Malleus, 2 Incus, 2 Stapes
Chest: Sternum (1 or 3), 24 Ribs (in pairs)
Spine: 7 Cervical vertebrae, 12 Thoracic vertebrae, 5 Lumbar vertebrae, Sacrum (5), Coccyx (1)

Appendicular Skeleton (126 bones)

An appendage is a part that is attached to something larger or more important. For example, our arms and legs are appendages of our body. The “Appendicular Skeleton” refers to the bones that make up our limbs and their attachments to the rest of our body. This includes our arms, legs, and the structures that connect them to our body, known as the shoulder and pelvic girdles. In total, there are 126 bones in the appendicular skeleton. These bones help us move and provide a structure for our muscles to attach to.

Pectoral Girdle

The “Pectoral Girdle”, also known as the shoulder girdle, is a set of bones that connects your upper limbs, or arms, to the main part of your skeleton. The term “pectoral” is used in anatomy and it refers to anything related to the chest or breast. In anatomy, a girdle refers to a bony structure that supports the arms or legs. For example, the “pectoral girdle” is the set of bones that connects your arms to your body, and the “pelvic girdle” is the set of bones that connects your legs to your body

It consists of two bones on each side of your body: the clavicle, or collarbone, and the scapula, or shoulder blade. These bones provide support and stability, allowing your shoulders to move. They can also become damaged due to injury or overuse.

Arms: 2 Humerus, 2 Radius, 2 Ulna, 16 Carpals, 28 Phalanges, 10 Metacarpals

Humerus connects to the shoulder joint.

The radius is one of the two bones in your forearm. It’s located on the same side as your thumb. The ulna is one of the two bones in your forearm. It’s located on the same side as your little finger.