Interactive
Skeleton Explorer
Click through the major regions of the human skeleton and learn what each group of bones does.
Skeleton Explorer
The skull
The skull protects the brain and shapes the face. It is made of 22 bones, most fused together, plus the movable lower jaw (mandible).
Learn more in the skeletal system guide.
The vertebral column
The spine is a stack of 33 vertebrae that supports the body, protects the spinal cord and allows you to bend and twist.
Rib cage
Twelve pairs of ribs form a protective cage around the heart and lungs while still allowing the chest to expand for breathing.
Arm bones
The upper arm has one bone, the humerus; the forearm has two, the radius and ulna. Together they give the arm its wide range of movement.
Hands
Each hand contains 27 bones, giving your fingers remarkable dexterity. Over a quarter of the body's bones are in the hands.
Pelvis
The pelvis anchors the legs and supports the organs of the lower abdomen. It also transfers weight from the spine to the legs.
Leg bones
The femur (thigh bone) is the longest, strongest bone in the body. The shin has the tibia and fibula.
Feet
Each foot has 26 bones arranged into arches that absorb shock and spring you forward with every step.
This tool is for education and general interest only. It is not a medical device and must not be used to diagnose, treat or make health decisions. Always consult a qualified professional.
How to use it
- Step 1Pick a region of the skeleton.
- Step 2Read about the bones there.
- Step 3Follow the links to the full guides.
Explore the skeleton
The adult skeleton has about 206 bones. This explorer groups them by region so you can learn the big picture before the detail.
Bone is living tissue that constantly rebuilds itself and stores minerals like calcium.
Learn more
Read the full skeletal system guide, plus bones explained and joints explained.
Questions & Answers
Frequently asked questions
About 206 in adults. Babies start with roughly 300, many of which fuse during growth.
The femur, or thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the body.
Yes. Bone is active, living tissue with its own blood supply that rebuilds throughout life.
Understand the science
Go beyond the numbers
Every tool pairs with a guide that explains the biology behind it in plain language.