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The Skeleton

An adult human has 206 bones. The skeleton supports your body, protects organs and works with muscles to help you move.

๐Ÿ’ก Fun fact

Babies are born with around 300 soft bones; many join together as they grow.

All about The Skeleton

Your skeleton is the framework of bones inside your body. An adult human has 206 bones, but babies are born with more, and some bones fuse together as they grow. Bones are living tissue that can repair themselves.

The skeleton protects organs such as the brain, heart and lungs, supports your body's shape and works with muscles to help you move. Where two bones meet, a joint allows movement, such as the hinge of your elbow.

๐ŸŽฎ Try it yourself!

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Real-life uses of The Skeleton

  • Protecting the brain inside the skull when you play sport
  • Allowing you to bend, run and jump at the joints
  • Making blood cells inside the marrow of some bones

Frequently asked questions about The Skeleton

How many bones does a child have?

Babies have around 270 to 300 bones. Many fuse together as the child grows, so adults have 206.

What is the longest bone in the body?

The femur, or thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the human body.

How can I keep my bones strong?

Eat foods rich in calcium, such as milk and leafy greens, get vitamin D from sunlight and stay active.