Babies are born with 60 more bones than are found in the adult human body

Babies are born with 60 more bones than are found in the adult human body.

Babies are fascinating creatures, with their tiny fingers, adorable smiles, and innocent eyes. And did you know that they have 60 more bones than adults? Yes, it is true! Babies are born with around 300 bones in their bodies, while adults have approximately 206. This disparity might make you wonder how and why this happens.

The explanation lies in the fact that babies’ bones are not fully developed at birth. These tiny bundles of joy have many more bones because some of them are not yet fused together, as they are in adults. As babies grow, these bones gradually fuse, resulting in fewer bones as they reach adulthood. Newborn babies have more cartilage in their bodies, which later turns into bone through a process called ossification.

Babies’ bones are not only more numerous but also smaller and softer compared to those of adults. This flexibility is essential during childbirth, allowing the baby to pass through the narrow birth canal more easily. As they grow, their bones gradually harden and become stronger. This transformation aids in supporting the body, protecting vital organs, and maintaining posture.

Interestingly, babies also have more bones in their skulls compared to adults. An adult skull consists of a few large bones, while a baby’s skull is made up of several smaller ones separated by soft spots called fontanelles. These fontanelles allow for the growth of the brain and skull during the baby’s first year of life. Over time, these fontanelles close, and the separate bones fuse together, resulting in the formation of a solid adult skull.

Now, you might be wondering why the number of bones decreases as we grow. The main reason is that double bones, known as sesamoid bones, fuse together as the body develops. Sesamoid bones, like the patella or kneecap, can be found in many joints throughout the body. Additionally, some smaller bones, such as those found in the spine and wrists, fuse together, reducing the total number of bones in the adult human body.

In conclusion, the number of bones a person has changes throughout their lifetime. Babies are born with more bones than adults because some of their bones are not yet fused together. Over time, these bones fuse and transform, resulting in the 206 bones found in the average adult human body. Understanding this fascinating fact highlights the incredible growth and development that occurs from infancy to adulthood.

Source: Times of India