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. Learn human skeleton anatomy with all 206 bones, including the axial & appendicular skeletons, labeled diagrams, bone names & functions.

Understanding the Context

The human skeleton is the internal framework of the human body. It is composed of around 270 bones at birth – this total decreases to around 206 bones by adulthood after some bones fuse together, not counting accessory bones. [1] The bone mass in the skeleton makes up about 14% of the total body weight (ca. 10–11 kg for an average person) and reaches maximum mass between the ages of 25 and ...

Key Insights

Explore the Human Skeleton in stunning 3D! This video shows the complete human body structure, including every major bone and joint, in realistic animation. Perfect for students, medical learners ... The axial skeleton is responsible for supporting and protecting the body’s vital organs and maintaining posture. The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones of the limbs and the girdles (shoulder bones and hip bones) that connect them to the axial skeleton.

Final Thoughts

A skeleton is the structural frame that supports the body of most animals. There are several types of skeletons, including the exoskeleton, which is a rigid outer shell that holds up an organism's shape; the endoskeleton, a rigid internal frame to which the organs and soft tissues attach; and the hydroskeleton, a flexible internal structure supported by the hydrostatic pressure of body fluids ...