Understanding the Human Skeletal System

People often think bones offer structural support while the muscles and nerves in the human body do most of the work. However, your skeletal system plays an important role in helping you move and navigate the world. Each bone is uniquely shaped and serves a specific purpose.

Learn how bone development changes over time and how you can protect this essential system in your body.

How Many Bones Are in the Human Body?

Humans have between 206 and 213 bones. Each bone plays an essential role in supporting the body's ability to move and navigate the world.

How Many Bones Does a Baby Have?

Babies can have between 275 and 300 bones. Babies have more bones so they can curl up in the womb and pass easily through the birth canal. A baby’s skull will have five different bones that eventually mold together during delivery.

Bones fuse as they get larger and the baby grows. Most infants and children are unaware of this fusion because it is painless.

How Many Bones Are In Children’s Skeletons?

As children age and develop, the bones fuse together. The number of bones that children have will depend on their age and personal development. They will have less than the 270 bones that babies have but more than the 206 bones of adults.

The Role of the Skeleton in Protection

Your bones are your built-in suit of armor. They protect delicate organs from harm so you can continue living. For example, your skull protects your brain while your rib cage protects your lungs, heart, and digestive organs.

The Role of the Skeleton in Support

The skeletal system also provides structural support, with muscles and nerves wrapping around various bones in your body. It essentially gives your body shape so you can move around the world.

Compare the skeletal system of the human body to the bones of various animals. Not only can you immediately tell what a human looks like compared to a whale, turtle, or dog, but you can see that humans are made to live on land, walk upright, and use their hands for holding objects.

The Role of the Skeleton in Movement

Even though bones don't move or change shape, they are connected to parts of your body that do. Your bones are supported by your muscles and connected through joints. The skeletal system plays a bigger role in your mobility and flexibility than you might realize.

For example, 33 vertebrae make up your spinal column. Each of these bones contributes to your posture and ability to bend over, twist, and navigate the world around you. If your spine was made of a single bone, it would be much harder to move.

Age-Wise Breakdown of Bone Development

Your skeletal system experiences a lot of changes as you transition from infancy into adulthood. If these changes didn't occur, it would be impossible for people to grow. Here are the different stages of your skeletal system as you live through the various chapters of your life.

Infancy and Childhood

As an infant grows into a toddler, their bones will start to fuse. This is also a significant time for bone growth. Bones constantly shed cells and replace them with new ones, which changes your bone mass as you age. Children produce more cells than they shed, promoting growth. This allows kids to grow tall and have strong bones that will support them throughout their lives.

Adolescence to Adulthood

There are two important periods when humans develop bones: the first two years of their life and during puberty. Girls typically go through puberty between the ages of 11 to 14 while boys experience this from ages 13 to 17. During this time, bone buildup increases five-fold, which is why teenagers are known for growing quickly.

After puberty, many adolescents will maintain their bone density into adulthood. They will eventually start to lose it as they age.

Aging and the Skeletal System

Bone density remains stable in most adults until they turn 50. At that point, bone breakdown starts to outpace bone development. During this time, people lose bone mass, which makes them more frail. They are at a greater list risk of fracture and bone-related diseases.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Factors Affecting Bone Health

Diet and exercise support the health of several parts of your body. Nutrients can help your muscles grow while promoting the function of your immune, nervous, and circulatory systems. It can also help your skeletal system. Here are a few ways to promote bone health and reduce your risk of bone-related disease.

• Eat foods high in calcium, like dairy products, vegetables, and fish.
• Exercise to build your muscles so they can protect your skeletal system and support your mobility.
• Avoid tobacco and consume alcohol in moderation.
• Be careful when taking certain medications as they can lead to bone deterioration. Talk to your doctor if they prescribe medication but you are concerned about your bone health.

While certain lifestyle factors are in your control, some people are more prone to bone issues than others. Women are more likely to develop bone conditions, as are aging Americans. Hormone imbalances in both men and women can also contribute to bone loss.

Common Bone Diseases and Conditions

While bone loss is a natural part of aging, some people can develop diseases and other conditions that exacerbate this process. Here are a few bone diseases to be aware of.

• Osteoporosis: This occurs when your bone mass decreases over time, weakening your skeletal system. People with osteoporosis are more prone to fractures.
• Arthritis: This is when the joints in your body become inflamed, which can make them feel stiff and painful.
• Leukemia: This is also known as cancer of the blood cells. While leukemia can start in various parts of your body, it is often found in bone marrow.
• Rickets: This occurs in children because of an extreme vitamin D deficiency. Kids can develop bowed legs and experience pain in their spine or pelvis.
• Fracture: This is known as a broken bone. It often occurs when your bone comes into contact with the hard surface. People can break bones while playing sports, when they're in car accidents, or when they fall over.

Some of these conditions are genetic, which means there is no way to prevent them; however, you can reduce your risk by making the healthy choices mentioned above.

Many people know they need to care for the various systems in their bodies, but they often forget about their bones. Now that you have a greater understanding and appreciation for your skeletal system, you can take steps to care for it.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.