Question

Human skeleton altogether contains \[\;206\] bones. Some bones are fused in adults, an example of fused bones would be
A) Coccyx
B) Ear ossicles
C) Carpals
D) Metacarpals

Answer 1

Hint: Human skeletal system provides structural framework and also supports the human body. It consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons which connects to bones and then bones to muscles. The human skeletal system gives a definite shape to the body and protection to the internal organs. At the time of birth, infants have more bones which due to fusion in some of the bones, form larger bones.

Complete answer:
The coccyx, which is also commonly referred to as the tailbone, is the final segment of the vertebral column in all apes, and analogous structures in certain other mammals. Depending on an individual's development, the coccyx may consist of three to five different bones which are joined by fused or semi-fused joints. The individual bones also fuse together to form a single coccyx throughout adulthood. Hence, some bones are fused in adults, an example of fused bones would be Coccyx.

Human skeleton has two major classes which are axial skeleton and appendicular skeleton.
Ear ossicles namely malleus, incus, stapes which is a part of axial skeleton are the three bones in the middle ear that are the smallest bones in the human body.

The hands have fifty four bones which provide support and flexibility to the soft tissues. The bones of hands are classified as;
Carpals – that are a set of eight irregularly shaped bones located in the wrist area.
Metacarpals – which are the bones that are related to each digit, there are five metacarpal bones.
Phalanges – that are the bones of the fingers. There are three phalanges in each finger, except for the thumb which has only two phalanges.

The red portion in the diagram shown below represents coccyx

So, the correct answer is option A which is 'Coccyx'.

Note: The functions of bones are to provide the desired shape to the body, act as a protection to the organs which are located inside the body like brain, heart, lungs, in order to help in facilitating the body movements and also to serve as the birthplace for red blood cells. The hands and feet contains over half of the body's bones.