Each arm has 32 bones, 64 in both
Each arm has 32 bones, 64 in both arms. Five are the clavicle and scapula that attach the arm to the trunk, the humerus of the upper arm and the radius and ulna of the forearm; the other 27 are the bones of the hand: 8 carpals, 5 metacarpals and 14 phalanges. There is one bone from the shoulder to the elbow and two from the elbow to the wrist.
Frequently asked questions
Are the clavicle and scapula counted as arm bones?
They are when the appendicular skeleton is counted: they form the shoulder girdle that attaches the arm to the trunk. Without them, the free arm has 30 bones on each side.
Which bones are in the upper arm and the forearm?
The upper arm has one bone, the humerus. The forearm has two: the radius on the thumb side and the ulna on the little-finger side.
Are there more bones in the arm or in the leg?
The arm has one more: 32 bones on each side against 31 in each leg.
The bones counted
Related counts
Other bone counts
- Bones in the human body
- Axial and appendicular skeleton
- Bones of the skull
- Bones of the spine
- Cervical vertebrae
- Thoracic vertebrae
- Lumbar vertebrae
- Number of ribs
- Bones of the foot
- Tarsal bones
- Bones of the pelvis
Skeleton
Read more
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- Why ageing bone marrow turns to fat, and a PEMF study in mice
- PEMF and whole-body vibration: two rhythms that reach the body
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