Human Skeleton Overview

Overview of the Human Skeleton

• The human skeleton is composed of 206 bones that provide support, protection, and movement for the body.
• The skeleton is divided into two parts: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.

Axial Skeleton

• Consists of 80 bones that make up the skull, spine, ribs, and sternum.
• Functions:
  • Supports the head, neck, and torso.
  • Protects the brain, spinal cord, and vital organs.
• Bones of the axial skeleton:
  • Cranium (skull): 22 bones that protect the brain.
  • Vertebral column (spine): 33 bones that provide flexibility and support.
  • Ribcage: 24 ribs and 2 sternum bones that protect the heart and lungs.

Appendicular Skeleton

• Consists of 126 bones that make up the upper and lower limbs, pelvis, and shoulder girdle.
• Functions:
  • Facilitates movement and support for the body.
  • Provides attachment points for muscles.
• Bones of the appendicular skeleton:
  • Upper limb: scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges.
  • Pelvis: ilium, ischium, and pubis bones that form the hip joint.
  • Lower limb: femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges.

Bone Functions

• Support: provides framework for the body.
• Protection: shields internal organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs.
• Movement: acts as attachment points for muscles, enabling movement.
• Blood cell production: bones produce blood cells in the bone marrow.
• Storage: stores minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus.
• Endocrine function: regulates hormones, such as osteocalcin.

Overview of the Human Skeleton

• The human skeleton is composed of 206 bones that provide support, protection, and movement for the body.

Axial Skeleton

• Consists of 80 bones: skull, spine, ribs, and sternum.
• Functions: supports the head, neck, and torso, and protects the brain, spinal cord, and vital organs.
• Bones:
  • Cranium (skull): 22 bones that protect the brain.
  • Vertebral column (spine): 33 bones that provide flexibility and support.
  • Ribcage: 24 ribs and 2 sternum bones that protect the heart and lungs.

Appendicular Skeleton

• Consists of 126 bones: upper and lower limbs, pelvis, and shoulder girdle.
• Functions: facilitates movement and support for the body, and provides attachment points for muscles.
• Bones:
  • Upper limb: scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges.
  • Pelvis: ilium, ischium, and pubis bones that form the hip joint.
  • Lower limb: femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges.

Bone Functions

• Support: provides framework for the body.
• Protection: shields internal organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs.
• Movement: acts as attachment points for muscles, enabling movement.
• Blood cell production: bones produce blood cells in the bone marrow.
• Storage: stores minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus.
• Endocrine function: regulates hormones, such as osteocalcin.