A newborn baby has 305 bones. As a human develops to the age of 25, some bones fuse together to obtain maximum strength. The average human skeleton.

Skeletal System

Skeletal System Overview

A newborn baby has 305 bones. As a human develops to the age of 25, some bones

fuse together to obtain maximum strength. The average human skeleton has 206 bones. Largest bones – Thigh (Femur) and the Upper Arm

(Humerus). Smallest bones – Middle Ear (Maleus, Incus and

Stapes). All bones are living organs, which contain living (cells)

and non-living (mineral) materials.

Functions of Bones

Bones have 5 major functions:Support – Provide support for tendons and ligaments and the framework for body shape.Protection – The cranium protects your brain, the ribs and sternum protect your internal organs such as heart and lungs.Movement – Bones work with muscles to produce movement. Muscles are attached to the skeleton and work by contracting (shortening) and pulling on bones.Storage – Bones are the site for storage and release of excess minerals. These are released as the body requires.Blood production – Some bones (ribs, vertebrae, humerus and femur) contain red bone marrow. This makes red cells, white cells and platelets for blood.

Cranium

Mandible

Clavicle

Sternum

Ribs

Radius

Ulna

Carpals

Metacarpals

Femur

Tibia

TarsalsMetatarsals

Patella

Fibula

Pelvis

Vertebrae

Humerus

Scapula

Phalanges

Phalanges

Radius and Ulna

Bones of the Shoulder

Bones of the Foot

Bones of the Foot