The Skeletal System

The skeletal system is very important to our shape and movement. The skeleton supports our body, produces blood cells, stores certain substances, and protects some organs and tissues. There are two parts in the skeletal system: the axial and appendicular skeletons.

The axial skeleton is the first part of the skeletal system. It consists of the top of your head down to your hips in a straight line. This skeleton is made up of the head, neck, and the trunk. The bones in the axial skeleton include the skull, ribs, breastbone, and the vertebral column.

The appendicular skeleton is the second part of the skeletal system. It is mainly made up of your limbs and the lower part of your body. The bones that this skeleton includes are the arms, legs, feet, hips, and the shoulders. In total, there are 126 bones in the appendicular skeleton.

There are about 206 bones in the human body. Some people have as little as 200 and some people have as many as 212 bones. Bones are connected with cartilage and muscle. Some are attached solidly and some are joined loosely. Nevertheless, all bones have a job and they do it well.

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