How many bones are in the adult human body?

The adult human body typically contains 206 bones. This number can vary slightly from person to person due to anatomical differences, such as additional small bones called sutural or accessory bones that can form in the skull. However, the standard count for bones in adults is 206 because, during childhood, humans are born with approximately 270 bones. As they grow, some of these bones fuse together, resulting in the total count decreasing to 206 by adulthood. This process primarily occurs in the spine and skull where certain bones merge as part of normal development. Understanding this essential aspect of human anatomy provides insight into growth and skeletal structure throughout life.