Overview
The human skeleton consists of 206 bones divided into the axial and appendicular skeletons. The axial skeleton forms the central supporting axis of the body, while the appendicular skeleton includes the limbs and girdles. This article provides a complete, high-yield summary table of all bones grouped by region for rapid exam revision.
For detailed skeletal regions, see vertebral column, clavicle, scapula, humerus, femur, tibia, and skull.
Axial Skeleton
Skull Bones
The skull contains 22 bones divided into cranial and facial groups.
| Region | Bones | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Cranial Bones | Frontal, Parietal (2), Temporal (2), Occipital, Sphenoid, Ethmoid | 8 |
| Facial Bones | Maxilla (2), Mandible, Zygomatic (2), Nasal (2), Lacrimal (2), Palatine (2), Inferior nasal concha (2), Vomer | 14 |
| Auditory Ossicles | Malleus (2), Incus (2), Stapes (2) | 6 |
Hyoid Bone
| Bone | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hyoid | Neck | Suspended U-shaped bone, attachment for supra- and infrahyoid muscles |
Vertebral Column
See vertebral column for full details.
| Region | Bones | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical | C1–C7 | 7 |
| Thoracic | T1–T12 | 12 |
| Lumbar | L1–L5 | 5 |
| Sacrum | S1–S5 fused | 1 |
| Coccyx | 3–5 fused | 1 |
Thoracic Cage
| Region | Bones | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Sternum | Manubrium, Body, Xiphoid process | 3 |
| Ribs | True (1–7), False (8–10), Floating (11–12) | 24 |
Appendicular Skeleton
Pectoral Girdle
| Bone | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clavicle (2) | Anterior shoulder | Only bony link to axial skeleton |
| Scapula (2) | Posterior shoulder | Forms glenoid cavity |
Upper Limb Bones
| Region | Bones | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Arm | Humerus | 2 |
| Forearm | Radius, Ulna | 4 |
| Hand – Carpals | Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum, Pisiform, Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate, Hamate | 16 |
| Hand – Metacarpals | 1–5 | 10 |
| Hand – Phalanges | Proximal, Middle, Distal | 28 |
Pelvic Girdle
| Bone | Components | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Hip bones (2) | Ilium, Ischium, Pubis | 2 |
Lower Limb Bones
| Region | Bones | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Thigh | Femur | 2 |
| Kneecap | Patella | 2 |
| Leg | Tibia, Fibula | 4 |
| Foot – Tarsals | Calcaneus, Talus, Navicular, Cuboid, 3 Cuneiforms | 14 |
| Foot – Metatarsals | 1–5 | 10 |
| Foot – Phalanges | Proximal, Middle, Distal | 28 |
Bone Counts by System
| Region | Total Bones |
|---|---|
| Axial skeleton | 80 |
| Appendicular skeleton | 126 |
| Total | 206 |
Exam Strategy
Memorise bone groups by region and use patterns (7–12–5 vertebrae, 8 cranial, 14 facial, 8 carpals, 7 tarsals). Pair this summary with regional skeleton articles for efficient revision.