List of the 206 Bones in Human Body (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025

The human skeleton, made up of 206 bones in adults, starts with **270 bones at birth, which fuse as we grow. These bones are divided into two main parts: the axial skeleton ****(80 bones)** and the appendicular skeleton (**126 bones). Along with the regular bones, there are also special types like accessory and sesamoid bones that contribute to the total count. Let’s explore the details of each bone that makes up our amazing skeleton.

The skull, composed of **22 bones, comprises the cranium, which protects the brain, and the facial bones. The vertebral column, composed of **26 bones, includes cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae, as well as the sacrum and coccyx.

The thoracic cage, made up of **25 bones, protects important organs and consists of **24 ribs and a sternum. The appendicular skeleton, with **126 bones, includes the upper limbs (60 bones), **lower limbs (60 bones), and **the pectoral and pelvic girdles that support movement and mobility. Here, we will explore the list of 206 bones in the human body, accompanied by a detailed diagram, but first, we will discuss about the concept of bone.

**What is Bone?

Bones are rigid connective tissues that form the skeletal structure of vertebrates. They are composed of minerals (mainly calcium and phosphorus) and organic materials like collagen. The skeleton is divided into the axial and appendicular skeleton.

List-of-206-Bones-in-Human-Body

List of 206 Bones in Human Body

Here is a detailed list of the 206 bones found in the human body :

The axial skeleton includes the skull, spine, and chest, totalling **80 bones. In contrast, the appendicular skeleton consists of the **arms, legs, and the pelvic and pectoral girdles.

Chest

The sternum consists of either **1 or 3 bones.
The sternum is a single bone in the center of the chest that connects the ribs.
There are **24 ribs, which are arranged in 12 pairs.
Cervical ribs are present only in some people.

Spine

The spine is made up of **33 vertebrae.
It is divided into five regions: **cervical, **thoracic, lumbar, **sacram, and **coccyx.
The **cervical vertebrae consist of **7 bones in the neck region.
The **thoracic vertebrae are made up of **12 bones in the upper back.
The lumbar vertebrae are composed of **5 bones in the lower back.
The **sacrum consists of **5 fused bones at the base of the spine.
The coccyx is made up of **1 bone, commonly known as the tailbone.

Skull

The skull is made up of **22 bones.
It is divided into two main parts: **the cranial bones and **the facial bones.

**1. Cranial Bones

The occipital bone is a single bone (1) located at the back of the skull, protecting the brain.
The **parietal bones are two ****(2)** bones located on the sides and roof of the skull.
The **frontal bone is a single bone ****(1) t**hat forms the forehead and the upper part of the eye sockets.
The temporal bones are two (2) bones situated on the sides of the skull, near the ears.
The **ethmoid bone is a single bone (1) located between the eyes, contributing to the formation of the nasal cavity and eye sockets.

**2. Facial Bones

The **lacrimal bones are two (2) small bones located in the inner corners of the eyes, helping form the eye socket.
The maxillae are two (2) bones that form the upper jaw and hold the upper teeth.
The **nasal bones are two (2) small bones that form the bridge of the nose.
The **palatine bones are two (2) bones located at the back of the nasal cavity, contributing to the hard palate of the mouth.
The **zygomatic bones are two (2) bones that form the prominent parts of the cheeks and the sides of the eye sockets.
The **inferior nasal concha are two (2) curved bones inside the nasal cavity that help filter and warm the air we breathe.
The **mandible is a single bone ****(1)** that forms the lower jaw and holds the lower teeth.
The **hyoid bone is a single bone (1) in the neck that supports the tongue and is involved in swallowing.
The vomer is a single bone ****(1)** located in the nasal cavity, forming part of the nasal septum.

Ear Bones

The malleus is a single bone ****(1)** in each ear, also known as the hammer, that transmits sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
The incus is a single bone (1) in each ear, also known as the anvil, that passes vibrations from the malleus to the stapes.
The **stapes is a single bone ****(1)** in each ear, also known as the stirrup, which is the smallest bone in the body and transmits sound vibrations to the inner ear.

Pectoral Girdle

The **clavicle consists of two ****(2) bones**, commonly known as the collarbones, which connect the arms to the body and help stabilize the shoulder.
The **scapula consists of two ****(2) bones**, also known as the shoulder blades, which provide support and mobility to the shoulders.

Arms

The **humerus consists of two ****(2) bones**, one in each upper arm, which help with the movement of the arm and shoulder.
The **radius consists of two ****(2) bones**, one in each forearm, located on the outer side of the forearm, responsible for rotating the wrist.
The **ulna consists of two ****(2) bones**, one in each forearm, located on the inner side of the forearm, and it helps stabilize the wrist and elbow.
The **carpals are made up of sixteen ****(16) small bones** in the wrist that allow for flexibility and movement.
The **phalanges consist of twenty-eight (28) bones in the fingers and toes, with three in each finger and two in each thumb, aiding in fine motor skills.
The **metacarpals are ten ****(10) bones** in the palms of the hands, which support the structure and movement of the fingers.

Pelvic Girdle

The hip bones consist of two ****(2) bones**, also known as the pelvic bones, which form the structure of the pelvis and provide support for the upper body while allowing movement of the legs.

Legs

The **femur consists of two ****(2) bones,** one in each thigh, which are the longest and strongest bones in the body, supporting the weight of the body during standing, walking, and running.
The **tibia consists of two ****(2) bones**, one in each lower leg, also known as the shinbones, which carry most of the body's weight.
The **fibula consists of two ****(2) bones**, one in each lower leg, located next to the tibia, providing support and stability to the leg.
The **patella consists of two (2) bones, commonly known as the kneecaps, which protect the knee joint and help with leg movement.
The **tarsals consist of fourteen ****(14) bones** in the ankle and heel, which allow for foot movement and support.
The **phalanges consist of twenty-eight ****(28) bones** in the toes, with three in each toe and two in each big toe, enabling toe movement and balance.
The **metatarsals consist of ten ****(10) bones** in the feet, forming the arch and supporting body weight while walking or standing.

**Some Exceptions

A person’s bones keep fusing until their early 30s, which means the total number of bones changes as they grow. Sesamoid bones, like the pisiform in the wrist, are counted, but the hallux (big toe) is not. Even though the bones in the skull and face fuse over time, they are still considered separate bones when counted.

Functions of Bones in Human Body

The functions of the bone include:

Bone provide structure, support and shape to the body.
It protect vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs from external injuries.
Bones along with muscles, allow various body movements and locomotion.
Bone marrow present in the bone produces red and white blood cells and contributes to the immune system and oxygen transport.
Bones store essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus. It regulates mineral balance in the body.
Bones release hormones, such as osteocalcin that influences glucose metabolism and energy regulation.

Conclusion - List of 206 Bones in Human Body

The adult human skeleton consists of 206 bones, divided into two primary categories: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton comprises the skull, spine, ribs, and sternum, while the appendicular skeleton includes the pectoral girdle, arms, legs, hands, and feet.