Introduction to the Skeletal System

The skeletal system is the central framework of the body, consisting of different connective tissues: bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.

Components of the Skeletal System

Bone, or osseous tissue, is a hard connective tissue that forms an internal support structure for the human body. Bones shield vulnerable organs and soft tissue from external forces. For example, the vertebral bones protect and support the spinal cord.

Cartilage, a semi-rigid connective tissue found in regions such as the joints and rib cage, provides flexibility and smooth surfaces for ease of movement. Ligaments and tendons are dense, elastic tissue that connect one bone to another or bones to muscles, respectively. Whereas ligaments stabilize bones, tendons transfer the force of muscle contraction to the bones.

Male, Female, and Newborn Skeletal Systems

The adult human skeleton is made up of 206 bones. In contrast, newborns have as many as 270 or more bones, many of which are largely cartilaginous and gradually fuse over time as the baby develops. In children, the cartilage in the epiphyseal plate of long bones is actively dividing and contributes to bone growth until adolescence, when the cartilage ossifies and forms the epiphyseal line. Girls develop a wide and long pelvis that is better adapted for childbirth; whereas boys develop broad shoulders and a long rib cage. A male skeleton also differs from that of a female in having bigger bones, especially the skull, arm bones, and leg bones. These differences between male and female skeletons are significant enough to correctly identify the age and gender of a skeleton with 95% accuracy.

Part of this text is adapted from Openstax, Anatomy and Physiology 2e, Section 6.1: The Functions of the Skeletal System