How Many Bones Are in the Male & Female Human Body?

When you are a baby, you are born with more than 250 bones, according to Kidshealth.org. Gradually many bones grow together and the adult body is left with 206 bones. By the time you reach your mid-20s, your bones have matured and stop growing.

The human body is made up of dozens of bones.

Features

Our bones are organs that are alive and constantly changing. The outer surface of the bone is composed of a thin membrane known as periosteum, which provides blood flow to the bone and is also a place for muscles to attach to. Beneath the periosteum is the compact bone, which is the hard, smooth layer you see when looking at a skeleton. Inside the compact bone, is a sponge-like material called the cancellous bone. The innermost section of the bone is the bone marrow, which is where the most of the blood cells are manufactured.

Function

Bones are composed of sturdy material allowing for the organ to play a variety of roles in the body. The functions of the 206 bones in the body is to provide the human body with basic support and offers protection to other systems and organs, including the heart and brain. Bones help create movement as ligaments and tendons are connected to bones. New blood cells are also created in bones.

Types

Inside the human body are five types of bones, which include long, short, flat, irregular, and sesamoid, according to TeachPE.com. Long bones are bones that are longer than they are wide, which includes the femur and tibia. Short bones are bones, such as the carpals and tarsals found in the wrist and foot, that offer support and stability, but little movement. Flat bones are bone plates that shield organs and provide a base for muscles to attach to. Ribs and the skulls are examples of flat bones. Irregular bones, as the name implies, are bones that do not have a uniform shape. Vertebrae and the jaw bone fall into the irregular bone category. Sesamoid bones, such as the knee cap, are contained in tendons.

Formation

Bones are created by the hardening of soft and flexible material called cartilage. Bones begin as cartilage, starting in the womb, and eventually solidify, also known as ossification, and become bone. Calcium helps with the ossification process and is required for strong bone development.

Prevention/Solution

While inorganic components give bones strength, bones are not indestructible and can break. Take proper precautions to take care of your bones by making sure you got plenty of calcium, which can be found in dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Also when riding a motorcycle or bicycle, keep your head protected by wearing a helmet. During contact sports, wear proper equipment to protect bones. According to Kidshealth.org, bones can be fortified by being physically active.

References

• The Human Skeleton
• Skeletal System
• Your Bones