Which Bones Are Paired And Which Are Unpaired In Adults?

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Detailed Solution

The 206 bones of the adult skeleton are organized into the axial and appendicular skeletons, which helps in identifying paired and unpaired bones.

Paired Bones (Bilateral Symmetry): These are bones where one exists on the left side of the body and a matching, symmetrical one exists on the right. The vast majority of the appendicular skeleton (limbs) is paired.
- Examples of Paired Bones:
  - Arms: Clavicle, Scapula, Humerus, Radius, Ulna
  - Hands: Carpal bones, Metacarpals, Phalanges
  - Legs: Femur, Tibia, Fibula, Patella
  - Feet: Tarsal bones, Metatarsals, Phalanges
  - Trunk: Ribs (12 pairs)
  - Head: Temporal bones, Parietal bones, Zygomatic bones, Maxillae, Nasal bones, and the three small ossicles of the middle ear (Malleus, Incus, Stapes).
Unpaired Bones (Midline): These are single bones, typically found along the central axis (midline) of the body. Most of the axial skeleton (skull, spine, and rib cage) consists of unpaired bones.
- Examples of Unpaired Bones:
  - Head: Frontal bone, Occipital bone, Sphenoid, Ethmoid, Mandible (jaw), and Vomer.
  - Trunk: Sternum (breastbone), Sacrum, and Coccyx.
  - Spine: All vertebrae (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) are considered unpaired, as each is a single, unique bone in the spinal column.