The Human Skeleton

The human skeleton is made up of 206 bones. The functions of the

skeleton are to provide support, give our bodies shape, provide
protection to other systems and organs of the body, to provide
attachments for muscles, to produce movement and to produce red
blood cells.

The main bones of the human skeleton are:

 Skull : Cranium, Mandible, and Maxilla

 Shoulder girdle : Clavicle and Scapula
 Arm : humerus, radius, and ulna
 Hand : Carpals, Metacarpals, and Phalanges
 Chest : Sternum, and Ribs
 Spine : Cervical area (top 7 vertebrae), Thoracic (next 12), Lumbar (bottom 5
vertebrae), Sacrum (5 fused or stuck together bones) and Coccyx (the tiny bit at the
bottom of the spine).
 Pelvic girdle : Ilium, Pubis, and Ischium.
 Leg : Femur, Tibia, and Fibula
 Ankle : Talus and calcaneus
 Foot : Tarsals, Metatarsals, and Phalanges.

The skeleton can be divided into two parts known as axial and the appendicular. The
axial skeleton consists of the central core of the skull, spine, and ribs whilst the
appendicular is composed of the arms and legs.

How are bones formed?

 Bones are formed by the ossification of cartilage. What this really means is all bones
start off as cartilage (normally in the womb) and they gradually turn to hard bone
(ossification) over a period of years.
 Calcium is needed for strong bone growth. Read more on the structure of bone.

What is the function of the skeleton?

 It provides protection to the major organs, in particular, the chest and rib cage.
 Muscles attach to bones to enable movement.
 Production of red blood cells within the bone marrow (a spongy substance is found in
the cavities of long bones). Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body which is
important in the production of energy.

Skull

Shoulder Girdle
Arm

Hand

Chest
Spine

Pelvic Girdle
Leg

Ankle
Foot