Size Up the Skeleton Trivia Quiz

The femur is the longest, strongest, and heaviest bone in the human body and can resist a force of up to 2,500 lbs. It is located in the upper leg, connecting the hip bone to the knee joint. The femur plays a crucial role in supporting the body's weight, facilitating movement, and providing attachment points for various muscles.

The average length of the femur in a male adult is about 19.9 inches (50.5 cm).

The tibia is located in the lower leg, between the knee and the ankle. It is the larger of the two bones in the lower leg and plays a vital role in supporting the body's weight. It's also fundamental for maintaining stability, transmitting forces, and facilitating locomotion. The tibia forms important joints with the femur at the knee joint and with the talus bone at the ankle joint. These articulations allow for both flexion and extension movements.

The average length of the tibia in a male adult is about 16.9 inches (42.9 cm).

The fibula is the slender, smaller bone located on the lateral (outer) side of the lower leg, running parallel to the tibia. Unlike the tibia, the fibula doesn't bear much weight; its main functions are related to muscle attachment, structural support, and balance. It provides additional stability to the leg and helps to protect the muscles and other soft tissues. It also assists in distributing forces and pressures encountered during activities like walking and running. The fibula doesn't directly articulate with the femur (thigh bone) at the knee joint. Instead, it forms joints with the tibia and the talus bone of the foot, contributing to ankle movement.

The average length of the tibia in a male adult is about 15.9 inches (40.4 cm).

The humerus is located between the shoulder joint and the elbow joint. It is the longest bone in the upper limb. The humerus is a vital bone that contributes to the arm's strength, mobility, and function. Its anatomical features and muscle attachments enable a variety of movements at the shoulder and elbow joints, making it a key player in the overall mobility and function of the arm. It allows for a wide range of arm movements, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. These movements are essential for performing daily tasks and activities.

The average length of the humerus in a male adult is about 14.4 inches (36.6 cm).

The ulna is one of the two forearm bones, alongside the radius. The ulna is located on the medial (pinky) side of the forearm, while the radius is on the lateral (thumb) side. The ulna runs parallel to the radius and is typically the longer of the two bones. It extends from the elbow to the wrist.

The ulna plays a crucial role in stabilizing the forearm and wrist. While the radius is primarily responsible for forearm rotation, the ulna is relatively more robust and provides stability to the forearm and contributes to its overall strength. It also contributes to movements involving flexion and extension of the wrist and is responsible for transmitting forces along the forearm during gripping and other activities.

The average length of the ulna in a male adult is about 11.1 inches (28.2 cm).

The radius is one of the two forearm bones, the other being the ulna. The radius is located on the lateral (thumb) side of the forearm, while the ulna is on the medial (pinky) side. The radius runs parallel to the ulna and is typically shorter than the ulna. It extends from the elbow to the wrist.

The radius is primarily responsible for movements of the forearm and the wrist. It allows for rotation of the forearm (pronation and supination) and contributes to movements that involve flexion and extension of the wrist. The shaft of the radius is relatively slender and curves along its length. This curve allows for the radius to rotate around the ulna during forearm rotation. It is important for stabilizing the forearm during rotation movements and also contributes to wrist and hand movements. Its anatomy and functions are essential for the versatility and dexterity of the upper limb.

The average length of the radius in a male adult is about 10.4 inches (26.4 cm).

Unlike other mammals, humans possess 12 pairs of ribs. The ribs are a series of curved bones that make up the ribcage, which protects the chest cavity and its vital organs.

All ribs that are within 1 to 7 (counting from above) are called the true ribs because they are directly connected to the sternum by their own costal cartilage, which is a type of flexible connective tissue. Our ribs are essential because they protect our heart, lungs, tissues, and other organs in our upper body. They also provide structural support to our muscles in the chest, shoulders, and backs. In addition, they are there to assist respiration.

The average length of the 7th rib in a male adult is about 9.5 inches (24.1 cm).

False ribs (ribs 8 to 12) have their costal cartilages attached indirectly to the sternum or are not attached to the sternum at all. While they don't directly contribute to the support of the sternum, they still play an important role in the overall structure and protection of the thoracic cavity.

The average length of the 8th rib in a male adult is about 9.1 inches (23.1 cm).

The hipbone, also known as the innominate bone or coxal bone, is a cup-shaped, flat bone that makes up a significant part of the pelvic girdle. It consists of three fused bones: the ilium, the ischium, and the pubis. Together, these bones form the hip region and provide support for the body's weight, protect internal organs, and serve as attachment points for various muscles.

The hipbones are located on each side of the body, forming the sides of the pelvis. They meet at the front midline at the pubic symphysis and articulate with the sacrum at the back to form the sacroiliac joints. The hipbones are integral to walking, standing, and other weight-bearing activities. They help support the body's weight and distribute forces from the upper body down into the lower limbs.

The average length of the hipbone in a male adult is about 7.3 inches (18.5 cm).

The sternum, commonly known as the breastbone, is a flat bone located at the front center of the chest. It extends vertically from the base of the neck to the upper abdomen.

The sternum serves multiple functions, including providing protection for the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels located in the chest cavity. It also plays a role in the attachment of the ribs and muscles involved in breathing and upper body movements.

The average length of the sternum in a male adult is about 6.7 inches (17 cm).