The chest, also known as the thorax, is a very significant part of the human body. The thorax is home to critical organs in the body, such as the heart, lungs, and aorta. In order to protect one of the most vital regions in the body, the body has developed an impressive array of defenses. At the top of the list of the bodies defenses are the bones. In the thorax or chest region, the chest bones can be found.

Many people know what the skeletal system bones look like. However few know their structure and composition. The bones are created from a special type of tissue, known as dense connective tissue. The bones are formed from calcium phosphate and a type of dense connective tissue. Each bone has a unique shape, determined by the genetic code that leads to the formation of the bones. Protection, support, and shape are some of the significant importance’s of the skeletal bones.

One key function of the bones that is often overlooked is the production of red and white blood cells. In the middle region of many bones exists the bone marrow. In this region, red blood cells and white blood cells are produced. These red blood cells are essential for survival of the body, this is because these cells carry oxygen to other cells. The white blood cells are also very important for bodily function because these cells play a role in defending the body from pathogens.

In the thorax, twenty five bones can be found. The thorax contains twenty four ribs out of the total twenty five bones in the chest. The sternum is the other bone that makes up the chest. All of the thorax bones play important functions in protecting the chest organs. The ribs are slightly curved bones that form a cage across the chest. These bones protect the heart and lungs and also expand to allow for breathing. The other bone of the chest, the sternum, is found in the center of the chest. It’s role is protection of the heart primarily.

These chest bones play an essential role in human survival and existence. It would be very easy to damage organs such as the heart or lungs. Thus through evolution, the body has developed these defense mechanisms to protect the vital organs. Of all two hundred six bones in the body, the chest bones make up twenty five bones.

If you are interested in the chest bones, you may also be interested in proximal phalanges, head on over to LearnBones.com. A thorough understanding of proximal phalanges is important for one’s anatomical studies. Learn Bones is the premier resource on the bones of the human skeleton. There you will find detailed descriptions, diagrams, and images.