An adult human can have 213 bones. This is a higher number than the commonly cited 206, due to variations in the number of sesamoid bones (small bones embedded in tendons) and other minor skeletal differences between individuals.
The Variable Number of Bones in the Human Body
The number of bones in the human body isn't a fixed number for everyone. While the average adult is said to have 206 bones, this can vary between 206 and 213. Several factors contribute to this variation:
- Sesamoid Bones: These small bones form within tendons, most notably in the hands and feet. The exact number of sesamoid bones varies greatly between people, adding to the overall bone count.
- Individual Variation: Genetic factors and developmental differences can also influence the number of bones a person possesses. Some individuals may have extra ribs or vertebrae, contributing to a higher bone count.
- Age: Babies are born with approximately 270 bones, many of which fuse together during childhood and adolescence to form the adult skeleton.
References Supporting the 213 Bone Count:
Multiple sources support the possibility of an adult having 213 bones:
- Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/25176-bones states that "Adults have between 206 and 213 bones."
- ScienceFocus: https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/how-many-bones-do-people-have notes that the number of bones in ribs, vertebrae, and digits can vary, leading to a possible count of up to 213.
- Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320444 indicates that by adulthood, humans have 206-213 bones.
- PMC (National Center for Biotechnology Information): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3152283/ mentions that the adult human skeleton has a total of 213 bones, excluding sesamoid bones.
Therefore, while 206 is a commonly cited number, it's more accurate to say that the typical adult human skeletal system contains between 206 and 213 bones.
