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Why are bones an important part of the body?

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Bones play a vital role in the body. The spine, in particular, is one of the most essential structures—it supports posture and enables bending and twisting motions. Inside bones is the bone marrow, which produces blood cells. Bones also store calcium and help protect the nerves and blood vessels that run alongside them.

Do You Know How Many Bones Are in the Human Body?

Adults have 206 bones, while infants are born with around 350. As children grow, many of their bones gradually fuse together—especially in areas like the skull and spine—resulting in the reduced count seen in adulthood.

Understanding the Skeleton

The 206 bones are categorized into two main groups based on location:

1. Axial Skeleton – This includes 80 bones found in the central part of the body. Its primary role is to support and protect vital organs. It consists of:

  • 29 skull bones (excluding teeth)

    • 26 vertebrae

    • 24 ribs

    • 1 sternum

2. Appendicular Skeleton – Comprising 126 bones, this system includes the limbs and girdles that connect to the axial skeleton. It supports movement and organ protection: 

  • 60 bones in the arms (30 each side)

  • 60 bones in the legs (30 each side)

  • 2 scapulae (1 per side)

  • 2 pelvic bones (1 per side)

  • 2 clavicles (1 per side) 

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Common Beliefs vs. Scientific Facts

It’s a common belief that bones simply weaken with age. In reality, bone calcium is constantly renewed—broken down and rebuilt. However, after age 30, bone resorption outpaces formation. This increases the risk of conditions like osteoporosis and brittle bones if not managed properly.

Weak bones can lead to joint-related issues such as arthritis, degenerative joint disease, back pain, and reduced mobility.

 

Bone-Strengthening Nutrition

To maintain strong bones, a balanced diet rich in the following is essential:

  • Fresh milk

  • Egg yolks

  • Leafy greens

  • Fruits

  • Foods rich in vitamin D, such as cod liver oil

  • Fresh vegetables

Regular exercise strengthens bones as well. However, it’s important to maintain a healthy body weight to prevent premature joint wear and damage.

 

Bone-Related Diseases

Bone diseases may arise from multiple causes including:

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Infections

  • Environmental factors

  • Aging

 

Structure of the Spine

The spine consists of bones and muscles located along the back. It supports body weight and serves as a communication pathway for nerves between the brain and pelvis.

Inside the spine lies the spinal cord, which transmits signals from the brain to various body parts.

 

The vertebrae protect the spinal cord housed within the spinal canal. Between each vertebra is an intervertebral disc.

 

Characteristics of Intervertebral Discs

Each disc has two main components:

  1. Nucleus pulposus – a soft, gel-like core

  2. Annulus fibrosus – a tough, fibrous outer ring

These discs help absorb shock and enable spinal movement. Nerves pass through the spaces between each vertebra.

 

Bone Awareness for Healthy Living

The spine is divided into 4 sections:

  1. Cervical (neck): 7 vertebrae (C1–C7)

  2. Thoracic (chest): 12 vertebrae (T1–T12)

  3. Lumbar (lower back): 5 vertebrae (L1–L5)

  4. Sacral (pelvic): 1 fused segment

As we age, spinal issues may arise. Discs may dry out or tear, reducing their shock-absorbing ability. Degenerated facet joints may lead to instability. Herniated discs may press on nerves, causing radiating leg pain. Bone spurs may also form and compress nerves. In severe cases, spinal surgery may be required.


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