As per the text ‘Charaka Samhita’ how many bones are there in a human body?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. 360.
According to the Charaka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text, the human body has 360 bones. This number includes not only the major bones but also smaller structures like teeth, nails, and cartilages, reflecting a broader classification than modern anatomy.
Other Options:
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206 – This is the scientifically accepted number of bones in a modern adult human body.
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370 – An exaggerated count, possibly including minute bony structures or an ancient misinterpretation.
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208 – Incorrect; may arise from regional or textual variations in Ayurveda.
The difference arises because Ayurveda considers smaller calcified tissues as bones, unlike contemporary anatomy, which focuses on distinct skeletal bones. Thus, 360 is the correct answer as per Charaka Samhita.