Biggest bones in the body (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: FEMURS
Understanding the clue
- The femurs are the biggest bones in the human body, extending from your hip to your knee as the primary bones of your thigh.
- Each person has two femurs, one in each leg, and they hold the distinction of being not only the longest bones but also the strongest bones in the entire skeletal system.
Why Femurs Are the Body's Biggest Bones
- The femur typically measures about 19-20 inches (48-50 cm) in length for an average adult, accounting for approximately 26% of a person's total height.
- These massive thigh bones support your entire body weight when standing, walking, or running, making them essential load-bearing structures.
- The femur's remarkable strength comes from its dense cortical bone composition and unique tubular design, which can withstand forces of up to 1,800-2,500 pounds before breaking.
Tips for Maintaining Strong Femurs
- Engage in weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, or resistance training to stimulate bone density and strengthen your femurs throughout life.
- Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake through dairy products, leafy greens, and sunlight exposure to maintain optimal bone mineralization.
- Practice fall prevention by removing tripping hazards at home, wearing proper footwear, and improving balance through exercises like yoga or tai chi.
- Get regular bone density screenings if you're over 50 or have risk factors for osteoporosis to catch potential weakening early.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as both habits significantly decrease bone density and increase fracture risk.
Biggest bones in the body (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: How do you know the femur is the biggest bone in the body?
A: The femur is measurably the longest bone, averaging 19-20 inches in adults, and contains the greatest bone mass of any single bone in the skeleton.
Q: Can femurs differ in size between people?
A: Yes, femur length varies based on genetics, sex, and overall height. Men typically have longer, thicker femurs than women, and taller individuals have proportionally longer femurs.
Q: What happens if you break your femur?
A: Femur fractures are medical emergencies requiring immediate hospitalization, typically surgical repair with metal rods or plates, and 4-6 months of recovery time.
Q: Why does the crossword clue use the plural "FEMURS"?
A: Because humans have two femurs (one in each leg), the plural form fits the 6-letter answer and is anatomically accurate since both qualify as the body's biggest bones.
Q: Are there bones that come close to the femur in size?
A: The tibia (shin bone) is the second-longest bone at about 16-17 inches, followed by the fibula, humerus (upper arm), and ulna, but none approach the femur's overall size and mass.
