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## Skelettsystem ### Kurz und Knapp The skeletal system is the passive system of motion and consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments and joints. In general it can be divided into the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. Bones not only serve as support but also as a protective function (e.g...

## Skelettsystem ### Kurz und Knapp The skeletal system is the passive system of motion and consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments and joints. In general it can be divided into the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. Bones not only serve as support but also as a protective function (e.g. skull or ribs). Cartilage occurs in areas of high pressure and ligaments connect bones to each other. Tendons connect bones to skeletal muscles. ### Learning objectives After reading this section, you should be able to: - List the components of the skeletal system. - Describe the properties and functions of the skeletal system. ### Description The skeletal system refers to the passive apparatus of movement. This includes bones, joints, joint capsules, ligaments and cartilage. The axial skeleton includes the skull bones, the spine and the thorax (chest) (see figure, axial skeleton in grey). ### The appendicular skeleton The appendicular skeleton consists of the shoulder girdle, the upper extremities and the pelvis (see figure, appendicular skeleton in turquoise). ### Bones An adult human has about 206 bones. They not only serve as support and provide motion but also serve as calcium reservoirs and protect organs, like the skull bones protecting the brain, or the rib cage protecting the heart and lungs. Furthermore, red bone marrow is responsible for blood cell formation.