The human skeleton is the internal framework for the human body. It consists of many individual bones and cartilages, as well as bands of fibrous connective tissue—the ligaments and the tendons—which serve in intimate relationship with the parts of the skeleton.
The skeleton acts as a scaffold by providing support and protection for the soft tissues that make up the rest of the body. The skeletal system also provides attachment points for muscles to allow movements at the joints.
Bones of the appendicular skeleton facilitate movement, while bones of the axial skeleton protect internal organs. All skeletal structures belong to either the appendicular skeleton (girdles and limbs) or to the axial skeleton (skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage).
Skeletons can be defined by several attributes. Solid skeletons consist of hard substances, such as bone, cartilage, or cuticle. These can be further divided by location; internal skeletons are endoskeletons, and external skeletons are exoskeletons.
If you’re picturing your skeletal system, you might think of the plastic skeleton your science teacher used to keep in their classroom. It does contain all your bones, but your skeletal system has lots of other tissue, too.
Human skeleton anatomy describes the bones inside our body that give us shape and support. The skeleton helps us stand, sit, walk, and move. It also protects important organs like the brain, heart, and lungs. At birth, a human baby has about 270 bones. As we grow, some bones join together.
At first glance, the human skeleton appears simple—a rigid scaffolding made of bone. But in reality, it’s a marvel of diverse tissues and complex structures working harmoniously. Bone itself is a unique composite material, combining strength and flexibility.