The adult human skeletal system is made of 206 bones and a few cartilages. These bones are grouped into two divisions: the axial skeleton (80 bones: skull, vertebral column, sternum and ribs) and the appendicular skeleton (126 bones: limb bones and the two girdles). Memory hook: "80 + 126 = 206" — the axial line runs down your middle, the appendicular parts hang off it.
The 206 bones of the adult human skeleton split into the axial skeleton (80 bones along the body axis) and the appendicular skeleton (126 bones of the limbs and girdles).
Your doubts, answered
How many bones are in the human skeletal system according to NCERT?
NCERT clearly states the human system is made up of 206 bones and a few cartilages. This is the adult count. Do not add extra numbers for cartilage — NEET answers stay with 206 bones.
How is 206 split between axial and appendicular skeleton?
Axial skeleton = 80 bones (along the main body axis: skull, vertebral column, sternum, ribs). Appendicular skeleton = 126 bones (the limbs plus the pectoral and pelvic girdles). 80 + 126 = 206. This split is a very common NEET fill-in point.
Is cartilage counted as a bone?
No. Cartilage is a separate connective tissue with a slightly pliable matrix made of chondroitin salts, while bone has a very hard matrix due to calcium salts. NCERT says the system has 206 bones AND a few cartilages — the cartilages are extra support, not part of the 206.
Why do textbooks say a newborn has about 300 bones but an adult has 206?
A baby is born with many small, separate bones and cartilage plates. As the child grows, several of these fuse together (for example, skull bones and hip bones), so the final adult number settles at 206. NEET only asks for the adult figure, 206.
What exactly belongs to the axial skeleton?
Four structures: the skull (22 bones = 8 cranial + 14 facial, plus hyoid and 3 ear ossicles per ear), the vertebral column, the sternum, and the ribs. Everything that lies along the central body axis is axial; arms, legs and girdles are appendicular.
⚠️ The NEET trap ✗ Adding cartilages, ear ossicles or the hyoid as "extra bones" to make the total more than 206. ✓ The adult total is fixed at 206 bones. Ear ossicles (6 total) and the hyoid ARE already counted inside the skull region's 22; cartilages are a separate connective tissue and are not added to 206. 🧠 NCERT wording: "made up of 206 bones and a few cartilages" — the number is always 206, cartilage is 'and a few', never added.
Real NEET questions
NEET 2017
Out of 'X' pairs of ribs in humans only 'Y' pairs are true ribs. Select the option that correctly represents values of X and Y and provides their explanation:
A · X = 12, Y = 7; True ribs are attached dorsally to vertebral column and ventrally to the sternum ✓
B · X = 12, Y = 5; True ribs are attached dorsally to vertebral column and sternum on the two ends
C · X = 24, Y = 7; True ribs are dorsally attached to vertebral column but are free on ventral side
D · X = 24, Y = 12; True ribs are dorsally attached to vertebral column but are free on ventral side
Solution: Humans have 12 pairs of ribs; the first 7 pairs are true ribs, each joined dorsally to a thoracic vertebra and ventrally to the sternum by hyaline cartilage. Ribs and sternum are part of the axial skeleton (80 bones). NCERT Ch 17: "seven pairs of ribs are called true ribs."
Solved Locomotion and Movement NEET PYQs
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
206 bones, plus a few cartilages, as stated in NCERT.
What are the two divisions of the skeletal system?
Axial skeleton (80 bones) and appendicular skeleton (126 bones).
What makes up the axial skeleton?
Skull, vertebral column, sternum and ribs — 80 bones lying along the main body axis.
What makes up the appendicular skeleton?
The bones of the arms and legs plus the pectoral and pelvic girdles — 126 bones.
Why is cartilage in the skeletal system if it is not a bone?
Cartilage is a specialised connective tissue that supports and cushions; it has a softer matrix (chondroitin salts) than bone (calcium salts), so it is listed with the bones but not counted among the 206.
