PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
PSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2018
Answer
Femur
Explanation
The femur, or thigh bone, is the longest, heaviest, and strongest bone in the entire human body. It extends from the hip joint to the knee joint. The femur is designed to support the entire weight of the upper body during standing, walking, and running. On average, the femur constitutes about a quarter (26%) of a person's total height.
Key Points
- > The femur (thigh bone) is the longest and strongest bone in humans.
- > The tibia (shinbone) and fibula are bones in the lower leg.
- > The humerus is the long bone in the upper arm.
- > The stapes, located in the middle ear, is the smallest and lightest bone.
- > Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body (harder than bones).
- > An adult human skeleton consists of exactly 206 bones.
- > A newborn baby has around 300 bones, many of which fuse together during growth.
Additional Information
Key Bones in the Human Skeletal System
| Bone Name | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Femur | Thigh | Longest and strongest bone |
| Stapes | Middle Ear | Smallest and lightest bone |
| Humerus | Upper Arm | Connects shoulder to elbow |
| Patella | Knee | Commonly known as the kneecap |
| Cranium | Skull | Protective casing for the brain |
Memory Tips
- Extremes in the body: The longest bone is in the leg (Femur), while the smallest bone is hidden deep inside the ear (Stapes).