The Skeleton acts as a scaffold which supports our organs, anchors muscles, and protects vital organs.
A new born baby has over 300 bones, over time some of these will fuse together. There are 206 bones in the average adult skeleton.
There are 22 bones in the human skull, 6 in the ears, 3 in the sternum, 26 in the vertebrae, 24 in the vertebral ribs, 1 in throat, 60 in the arms and feet, 58 in the legs and feet, 3 in the sternum, 4 in the pectoral girdle and 2 hip bones.
The strongest and longest bone is the thigh bone (Femur). The smallest bone is called the stapes bone, which is found in the ear and is the only fully grown bone at birth. The Hyoid bone in the throat is the only joint less bone.
An adult skeleton accounts for around 14% of the body's total weight. Experiments have shown that prolonged periods in weightless space will cause bones to lose weight and thickness.
Bones has an outer layer which is hard dense and strong. The inside is like a honeycomb, which is lighter and more flexible. In the middle of most bones is jelly-like bone marrow, where the the formation of blood cells occurs.
Giraffes have seven neck bones, exactly the same number as humans.
Ounce for ounce, bone is stronger than steel and reinforced concrete. However doctors throughout the world treat tens of million of fractures a year.
One out of 20 people have an extra rib.
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become thin and weak as the body attempts to take calcium from the bones, due to insuffient calcium in the bloodstream.
