206 Bones in the Human Body: Complete Diagram, List & Functions

Understanding the human skeleton is vital for grasping how our body supports, moves, and protects itself. This guide offers a clear 206 bones list, and a detailed 206 bones of the body diagram, to help you visualise how many bones are in the human body. We’ll also explain the 206 bones of the body and their functions to give you a deeper insight into the skeletal system.

Introduction

The human skeleton is a marvel of natural engineering. At birth, our bodies contain around 270 bones, but as we grow, many of these bones fuse to form the final count of 206 bones. This fascinating transformation is well illustrated in our 206 bones of the body diagram and is broken down into two main parts:

• Axial Skeleton (80 bones): Includes the skull, chest, and spine.

• Appendicular Skeleton (126 bones): Comprises the arms, legs, pelvic, and pectoral girdles.

Read More: Human Skeletal System

Overview of the Human Skeleton

Understanding how many bones are in the human body involves appreciating both the structural design and the functional roles of each bone. From protecting vital organs to supporting muscle attachment, every bone in our 206 bones list plays an essential part. Our detailed 206 bones of the body and their functions section further explains the unique contributions of each bone.

Read More: Bone Anatomy

Read More: Skeleton and Bones

The 206 Bones List

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the bones in the human body, with additional insights to help you visualise and understand their placement and function.

Chest

• Sternum: Typically counted as 1 (or anatomically divided into 3 parts: manubrium, body, and xiphoid process).

• Ribs: 24 in total (arranged in 12 pairs).

• Note: Some individuals may have extra cervical ribs.

Spine

• Cervical Vertebrae: 7

• Thoracic Vertebrae: 12

• Lumbar Vertebrae: 5

• Sacrum: 1 (formed from 5 fused sacral vertebrae)

• Coccyx: 1

Skull

The skull is divided into several key groups:

Cranial Bones

• Occipital Bone

• Parietal Bones: 2

• Frontal Bone

• Temporal Bones: 2

• Ethmoid Bone

• Sphenoid Bone

Facial Bones

• Lacrimal Bones: 2

• Maxillae: 2

• Nasal Bones: 2

• Palatine Bones: 2

• Zygomatic Bones: 2

• Inferior Nasal Conchae: 2

• Mandible: 1

• Vomer: 1

• Hyoid Bone: Although not attached to other bones, it is vital for tongue movement.

Ear Bones

• Malleus: 2

• Incus: 2

• Stapes: 2 (this is the smallest bone in the body)

Pectoral Girdle

• Clavicle: 2

• Scapula: 2

Arms

• Humerus: 2

• Radius: 2

• Ulna: 2

• Carpals: 16 (wrist bones)

• Metacarpals: 10

• Phalanges: 28 (fingers)

Read More: Long Bones of Arms and Legs

Pelvic Girdle

• Hip Bones (Os Coxae): 2

Legs

• Femur: 2 (the longest and strongest bone)

• Tibia: 2

• Fibula: 2

• Patella: 2

• Tarsals: 14 (ankle bones)

• Metatarsals: 10

• Phalanges: 28 (toes)

Also Read: Bones of the Foot

Did You Know?

Our 206 bones list may also include additional sesamoid and accessory bones that can vary between individuals. For instance, the pisiform in the wrist is sometimes counted as an extra bone, demonstrating the natural variability in how many bones are in the human body.

Also Check: Bones and Muscles

Unique Aspects & Additional Insights

While most resources similarly list the bones, Vedantu’s guide offers extra details to deepen your understanding:

• Developmental Changes: At birth, the human body has approximately 270 bones. As growth occurs, many bones fuse, leading to the standard count of 206. This process is beautifully represented in our 206 bones of the body diagram.

• Anatomical Variations: Variations such as extra sutural bones, extra cervical vertebrae, polydactyly (extra digits), or oligodactyly (fewer digits) can alter an individual’s final bone count.

• Bone Functions: Beyond providing structure, bones play roles in blood cell production (in the bone marrow), mineral storage, and endocrine functions. Our section on 206 bones of the body and their functions explains how each bone contributes uniquely to overall health.