Structure Of The Skeletal System

Structure of skeletal system

The human skeleton is divided up into to two parts, the axial Skeleton which is the central core of the body and the appendicular skeleton which forms the extremities of the arms and legs. Axial skeleton

There are 80 bones that make up the axial skeleton. It provides support and protection for the organs in the human body. The axial skeleton bones consist of bones in the skull, thorax and vertebral column.

Appendicular skeleton

There are 126 bones that make up the appendicular skeleton. The limbs like your arms and legs make up your appendicular skeleton and these limbs connect to the axial skeleton. The girdles allow the limbs to join to the axial skeleton.

Bones

Long bones

Long bones are some of the longest bones in your body. The bones in your arms and legs normally come under the category of long bones. For example, the femur, humerus and tibia and fibula. However there are some small bones that are classed as long bones like metacarpals and phalanges. The reason why they are called long bones is because they are longer than they are wider. Both ends of the bones are covered in hyaline cartilage which helps to protect the bone and aid

Their main function is providing support and stability with not much movement. Carpals and tarsals are known as short bones in the wrist and ankle. They have a thin layer of compact.

Flat bones

Flat bones are strong. Their main function is to protect the body's vital organs and being a base for muscular attachment. Cranium, scapula, sternum and ribs are all flat bones and these all protect organs like the brain, heart, lungs and other organs. Adults flat bones produce the highest number of red blood cells in the human body.

Irregular bones

There are bones that do not fall into any other categories, so they are classed as irregular bones. Good examples of irregular bones are the vertebrae, sacrum and