Skeletal System

Overview

The Skeletal System serves many important functions; it provides the shape and form for our bodies in addition to supporting, protecting, allowing bodily movement, producing blood for the body, and storing minerals.The skeletal system is divided into two seperate parts - the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.

Axial Skeleton

This skeleton consists of those bones that form the axis of the body.  They support the head, neck and core of the body. They include bones in the skull, sternum, ribs and vertebral column.

Appendicular Skeleton

This skeleton is made up of bones that anchor the appendages to the axial skeleton.  They include the bones in the upper and lower extremities, the shoulder girdle and the pelvic girdle.

 

Learn about other organ systems