What is the total number of bones present in a fully developed adult human skeleton?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option A
The total number of bones present in a fully developed adult human skeleton is 206.
- During human development, the skeleton initially contains more bones—around 270 at birth.
- However, as a person grows, several bones fuse together to form single bones. This process of ossification and bone fusion leads to a reduction in the total count.
- For example, the bones of the skull and the vertebral column undergo fusion.
- The adult skeleton is divided into two main parts: the axial skeleton, which includes the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum, and the appendicular skeleton, which consists of the limbs and girdles. Together, these contain 206 bones in a typical adult.
Key points to note:
- Number of bones at birth: ~270
- Bone fusion during growth reduces this number to 206
- Adult skeleton divided into axial and appendicular parts
- 206 bones is the standard reference number in adult anatomy
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 41st Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 1/ Page 12
- During human development, the skeleton initially contains more bones—around 270 at birth.
- However, as a person grows, several bones fuse together to form single bones. This process of ossification and bone fusion leads to a reduction in the total count.
- For example, the bones of the skull and the vertebral column undergo fusion.
- The adult skeleton is divided into two main parts: the axial skeleton, which includes the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum, and the appendicular skeleton, which consists of the limbs and girdles. Together, these contain 206 bones in a typical adult.
Key points to note:
- Number of bones at birth: ~270
- Bone fusion during growth reduces this number to 206
- Adult skeleton divided into axial and appendicular parts
- 206 bones is the standard reference number in adult anatomy
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 41st Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 1/ Page 12
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