Skeleton

Structure that remains after an organ has been destroyed by rotting, erosion or corrosion.


The framework that supports the soft tissues of vertebrate animals and protects many of their internal organs. The skeletons of vertebrates are made of bone and/or cartilage.


The framework of the body consisting of the bones. In humans, there are 206 whole bones that make up the skeletal system (Table S-l).


All the bones which make up a body.


Framework of the body, made up of 206 bones that provide structure and form for the body, protect delicate internal organs, provide for the attachment of muscles, produce red blood cells, and serve as blood reservoirs. The skeleton is divided into two major parts; the axial skeleton, which includes the skull, vertebral column, sternum, and ribs; and the appendicular skeleton, which includes the pectoral (shoulder) girdle (clavicle and scapula), the pelvic (hip) girdle, and the arms and legs.


The rigid framework of connected bones that gives form to the body, protects and supports its soft organs and tissues, and provides attachments for muscles and a system of levers essential for locomotion. The 206 named bones of the adult body are organized into the axial skeleton (of the head and trunk) and the appendicular skeleton (of the limbs).


The comprehensive term applied to the hard structures that support or protect the softer tissues of the body. Many animals are possessed of an exoskeleton, consisting of superficial plates of bone, horn, or the like; but in humans the skeleton is entirely an endoskeleton, covered everywhere by soft parts and consisting mainly of bones, but in places also of cartilage. The chief positions in which cartilage is found in place of bone are the larynx and the front of the chest.


The bony framework of the body consisting of 206 bones: 80 axial or trunk and 126 of the limbs (appendicular). This number does not include teeth or sesamoid bones other than the patella.


A framework of bones that support the muscles and organs and protect the inner organs.


The structure of bones that shapes the body and serves as anchor points for muscles and other soft tissues. The typical adult human skeleton consists of 213 bones, including the nine fused vertebrae in the sacrum and coccyx, counted individually. These bones are connected to muscles via tendons and are linked together at joints by ligaments.


The skeleton is divided into two primary components: the axial and appendicular sections.


The axial skeleton includes the skull, spinal column, ribs, and breastbone, or sternum. In total, it is made up of 87 bones: 29 in the skull, which counts the hyoid bone and three pairs of ear bones called auditory ossicles; 33 in the spine, comprising seven cervical, 12 thoracic, and five lumbar vertebrae, along with the five fused sacral vertebrae and the four fused coccygeal vertebrae; and 25 in the ribcage, consisting of 12 rib pairs and the sternum.


In the area of the pelvis and legs, you’ll find various bones. Each shoulder consists of two bones: the clavicle, also known as the collarbone, and the scapula, or shoulder blade. Each arm has three bones: the humerus in the upper arm, and the radius and ulna in the forearm. In each wrist, there are eight carpal bones; each palm has five metacarpal bones. Lastly, each hand contains 14 phalanges: two in each thumb and three in each of the other fingers.


The pelvic region consists of a pair of hip bones. Each lower limb is composed of 30 bones, which include the femur or thighbone, the patella known as the kneecap, and the tibia and fibula that make up the lower leg. Each foot has seven tarsal bones located in the ankle, heel, and rear part of the foot. There are also five metatarsal bones in the middle part of each foot. Finally, each foot has 14 phalanges distributed among the toes, with two in each big toe and three in each of the remaining toes.


The skeletal structures of men and women exhibit some subtle variations. Generally speaking, men have bones that are larger and more robust, while women have a broader pelvic cavity, a feature that aids in childbirth.


The skeleton is crucial for mobility, serving as a sturdy yet flexible structure that allows muscles to facilitate body movement. Additionally, it safeguards vital internal organs. For example, the brain and spinal cord are housed within the protective confines of the skull and spine, while the ribcage shields the heart and lungs.


Contrary to the idea that the skeleton is just a static framework, it’s actually a dynamic organ. It generates blood cells through its bone marrow and serves as a storage unit for essential minerals like calcium, which can be accessed and utilized by other areas of the body when needed.


The skeletal structure of the body.


 


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