There isn't a single name for all 206 bones in the human body. Instead, each bone has its own unique name based on its location and function. For example, the skull is made up of many individual bones, such as the frontal bone, parietal bones, temporal bones, and occipital bone. Similarly, the spine is made up of vertebrae, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae.
The human skeleton is made up of 206 bones and can be divided into two main parts: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.
The axial skeleton, which forms the central axis of the body, includes:
- Skull: This includes the jawbone and all the bones that make up the face and head.
- Spine: This consists of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae, as well as the sacrum and tailbone (coccyx).
- Chest: This includes the ribs and breastbone (sternum).
The appendicular skeleton, which makes up the limbs, includes:
- Arms: These include the humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges.
- Legs: These include the femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges.
The 206 bones are not static. They are constantly being remodeled and rebuilt throughout life. This process, called bone remodeling, helps to keep bones strong and healthy.
