The adult human body typically contains 206 bones. This number can vary slightly among individuals due to variations in certain bone structures, such as the presence of extra rib bones or variations in the number of bones in the hands and feet. Infants are born with approximately 270 bones, but as they grow, some bones fuse together, reducing the total count to 206 in adulthood. This bone count is essential for supporting the body, protecting vital organs, and facilitating movement through the skeletal system.