How Many Bones Make Up the Human Body?
There are 206 bones in humans' skeletal system. The bones of the skull, thoracic cage, spinal column and the hyoid bone make up the axial skeleton. This part of the skeletal system has 80 bones. The appendicular skeleton is composed of the appendages, or arms and legs, as well as the hip and shoulder bones. There are 126 bones in this part of the skeletal system.
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Skull
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The skull is comprised of the cranium and facial bones. There are eight bones in the cranium: one each of the frontal, occipital, sphenoid and ethmoid bones, along with two parietal and two temporal bones. The face consists of two of each of the following bones: maxilla, zygomatic, palatine, lacrimal, nasal, inferior concha, along with one mandible and one vomer.
Axial Skeleton
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The skull is part of the axial skeleton, which also includes six bones of the middle ear and the hyoid bone, which is attached to the tongue and anchors the tongue in place. The spinal column consists of 28 bones, 26 vertebrae, the sacrum and the coccyx. The thoracic cage contains 25 bones.
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Appendicular Skeleton
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The upper limbs include 60 bones, 30 in each arm. The human hand alone has 27 bones. The lower limbs also total 60 bones, 30 in each leg. The pectoral girdle contains the four bones of the shoulders, and the pelvic girdle contains two hip bones.
Joints
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Points of contact between tow bones are called joints, or articulations. They are classified depending upon their degree of movement. Synarthrosis are also known as immovable joints. Amphiarthrosis are partially movable joints, and diarthrosis are joints that are fully movable
Articular Capsule
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Tough connective tissue covers the surfaces of the bones where they meet. This articular capsule is lined with a membrane that secretes a lubricating fluid. This synovial fluid protects the joints by reducing the amount of friction produced with movement.
Mineral Storage
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Skeletal bones are able to store phosphorous and calcium. If the body finds itself in need of one of these minerals, it can use the stored amount to maintain itself. The bone releases the necessary amounts of the minerals to keep the body at a level of homeostasis, or a state of balance.
Osteoporosis
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Osteoporosis is a disease that is characterized by a reduction in the mineral density of the bones and is much more prevalent in women than men. Bone density mineral scans measure the amount of calcium in the bones and can show early signs of loss. The skeletal system is a vital part of the human body. It is essential to keep it strong and healthy.
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