Question

Total numbers of bones in the axial skeleton of man are
A. 206
B. 120
C. 406
D. 80

Answer 1

Hint: Bones of the axial skeleton are mainly distributed over the long axis of the human bond and on the other hand, the appendicular skeleton is distributed mainly over limbs and girdles. There are a total of 206 bones in the human body.

Complete solution:The skeletal system consists of bones and cartilages. Both bones and cartilages are types of specialized connective tissue. The skeletal system helps in the movement and locomotion of the body. In humans, there are a total of 206 bones and broadly these can be divided into two namely axial skeleton and appendicular skeleton.
Bones of the axial skeleton are distributed mainly along the main axis or long axis of the human body. The bones of the skull, vertebral column, sternum, and ribs constitute the Axial Skeleton. Our skull comprises a total of 22 bones in which 8 bones form the brain box or cranium and the rest 14 bones form the bones of the face. Total bones in both the ears are 6 as 3 are in each ear. One hyoid bone is present at the base of the buccal cavity. The Vertebral column consists of 26 bones of which 7 are cervical bones, 12 are thoracic bones, 5 are lumbar bones, 1 bone is sacral and 1 is of the coccyx. The sternum is made up of one bone. Finally, 12 pairs or 24 of bones are in ribs.

Name of bones in the axial skeleton	Number of bones
Cranium bones	8
Facial bones	14
Hyoid bone	1
Total bones in both the ears	6
Vertebral column	26
sternum	1
ribs	24
TOTAL BONES IN AXIAL SKELETON	80

Bones of Appendicular Skeleton are distributed over girdles and limbs of the body. Each limb of our body has 30 bones which result in 120 bones total in all our 4 limbs including both forelimb and hindlimb. The pectoral girdle has a total of 4 bones in which 2 bones are on each side of the body namely the clavicle and scapula. The pelvic girdle has a total of 2 bones known as coxal bones in which each bone is formed with the fusion of three bones namely Illium, Ischiumand Pubis.

Name of bones in the appendicular skeleton	Number of bones
Total bones in all our 4 limbs	120
Pectoral girdle	4
Pelvic girdle	2
TOTAL BONES IN APPENDICULAR SKELETON	126

Thus, the correct option is D.

Note: Pectoral and pelvic girdle bones help in the articulation of the upper and lower limbs respectively. Bone has a very hard matrix due to calcium salts deposition and cartilage has a slightly pliable matrix due to chondroitin salts.