Why Does an Adult Not Have as Many Bones as a Child

Question

Why does an adult not have as many bones as a child?
A) Osteoporosis leads to bone loss with age.
B) Some separate bones gradually fuse with age.
C) Many bones are replaced by cartilage with age.
D) Bones are reabsorbed with age.
E) Osteoclast activity overcomes osteoblast activity with age.

Accepted Answer

Some separate bones in children gradually fuse with age, leading to a decrease in the total number of bones in the body. This process is known as ossification. Therefore, an adult typically has fewer bones than a child.