Question

Do men and women have an equal number of bones in their bodies?

Answer 1

Skeleton is defined as an internal (endoskeleton) or external (exoskeleton) framework made up of various materials to support, protect an organism. For example- exoskeletons made of chitin are found in members of Phylum Arthropoda, calcium carbonate exoskeletons are found in the shells of molluscs. In contrast, bony or cartilaginous endoskeletons formed from endoderm are found in Vertebrates. The endoskeleton found in the human body is made up of two types of connective tissues, namely bones and cartilages.

Complete answer:
Bone or osseous tissue is composed of a mineralized matrix with calcium and phosphorus ions. It is tough and rigid in nature and is responsible for supporting body structures, protecting internal organs, facilitating body movements, formation of blood cells and metabolism of ions, and mineral storage. There are approximately two seventy bones in human infants, which will later fuse to form two hundred six to two hundred thirteen bones in the adult. The number of bones is given in a range because of the varying number of ribs, vertebrae, and digits. In general, the total number of bones in human adults are considered to be two hundred six bones, and this is irrespective of gender (male or female). A total of eighty bones comprise the axial skeleton, and one hundred twenty-six bones comprise the appendicular skeleton.

Note:
In sexually dimorphic organisms like humans, the anatomical differences between males and females are highly noticeable in soft tissues like muscle mass, genital organs, etc. But the differences are limited in the skeletal system, such as females have a broader pelvis, cartilage surrounding voice boxes tends to protrude outward in males, comparatively longer rib cage, broader shoulder in males. Other differences are confined to morphological (external features), psychological including cognitive and behavioural differences and physiological such as hormones and their levels, gamete formation, and so on.