The Skeletal System

The skeletal system is the body system that provides support and protection for the body. It includes the bones, joints, and ligaments.

The bones are rigid, strong structures that provide support for the body and protect internal organs. There are 206 bones in the human body, and they are divided into two main types: axial bones and appendicular bones.

Axial bones form the central axis of the body and include the skull, vertebrae, and ribcage. Appendicular bones form the appendages (arms and legs) and include the bones of the upper and lower limbs and the shoulder and pelvic girdles.

The joints allow the bones to move in relation to each other. There are three main types of joints: fibrous joints, cartilaginous joints, and synovial joints.

Fibrous joints are immovable joints that are held together by fibrous connective tissueA group of similar specialised cells working together to perform a function.. Cartilaginous joints are slightly movable joints that are held together by cartilage. Synovial joints are freely movable joints that are surrounded by a joint capsule and filled with synovial fluid.

The ligaments are strong, flexible bands of connective tissue that connect bones to other bones and help hold joints in place.