Question

Number of bones in the human face are
a. 12
b. 30
c. 40
d. 14

Answer 1

Hint: Skull bones consist of a total of 22 bones out of which a major part is contributed by facial bones and a minor part is contributed by cranial bones.

Complete answer
The total number of facial bones present in humans is 14. Out of the 22 skull bones remaining 8 are cranial bones. Hyoid bone and the ear ossicles are also a part of the skull.

Additional Information:
- The human skeletal system is composed of two types of the skeleton which include an axial skeleton and appendicular skeleton.
- The axial skeleton consists of the skull, vertebral column, sternum, and ribs.
- The limb and girdle bones constitute the appendicular skeleton.
- Axial Skeleton:

> Skull: Along with the facial and cranial bones they include 1 hyoid bone and 6 ear ossicles

> Vertebral column: It consists of 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, 5 lumbar vertebrae, 1 sacral vertebra, and 1 coccygeal vertebra.

> One sternum is present 12 pairs of ribs are present which are of two types, atypical ribs, and typical ribs.

- Appendicular skeleton:

> Girdle bones: It consists of the pectoral and pelvic girdle. Pectoral girdle consists of 2 clavicles and 2 scapulae. The pelvic girdle consists of 2 coxal bones.

> Limb bones: It includes bones of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. Forelimb bones include 2 humerus, 2 radius, 2 ulna, 16 carpal or wrist bones, 10 metacarpal or palm bones, and 28 phalanges or finger bones. Hind limb bones include 2 femur, 2 tibias, 2 fibula, 2 patella, 14 tarsal or ankle bones, 10 metatarsal bones, and 28 phalanges or digits.

So, the correct answer is,” number of bones in a human face are 14.”

Note: Many bones often develop within the tendons of muscles and these are known as sesamoid bones. These sesamoid bones function as pulleys and aid in muscular contraction. Examples include patella in the tendon of quadriceps femoris, pisiform bone, fabella, etc. One bone known as Rider’s bone develops in the tendon of adductor longus. These bones develop when the muscle tendons undergo heavy friction during movements.