Human skeleton

Human Skeleton

The internal framework of the human body, composed of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, providing structure, support, and protection to organs, enabling movement, and serving as a reservoir for minerals.

Axial Skeleton

The part of the human skeleton that includes the skull, vertebral column (spine), and ribcage (ribs and sternum), providing protection for vital organs and supporting the body's weight.

Appendicular Skeleton

The part of the human skeleton that consists of the bones of the limbs (arms and legs) and their girdles (shoulder and pelvic), facilitating movement, balance, and coordination.

Functions of the Skeleton

The roles of the human skeleton include support, protection, movement, blood cell production, and mineral storage.

Bone Structure

Bones are composed of compact bone (dense outer layer) and cancellous or trabecular bone (spongy inner layer), with a medullary cavity containing bone marrow. Bones are made up of living cells, including osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

Joints

Connections between bones that allow for movement and flexibility, classified as fibrous joints (immovable), cartilaginous joints (partially movable), and synovial joints (freely movable).

Bone Development and Growth

Bones initially form as cartilage models during fetal development and gradually ossify into bone through ossification. Bone growth occurs during childhood and adolescence through bone remodeling influenced by genetics, nutrition, and physical activity.