Bones provide a rigid framework that allows stability, protection, movement, and attachment of muscles and ligaments.

Parts of the skeleton

The human skeleton can be split into 4 parts:

  • The axial skeleton
    • Formed by the bones of the midline of the body, including the skull, vertebral column, and ribcage.
    • It can be thought of as the main axis to which the rest of the skeleton attaches to.
  • The bones of the limbs
    • Includes the bones of the arms, forearms, hands, thighs, legs, and feet.
  • The pectoral girdle
    • Formed by the clavicle and scapula.
    • It connects the axial skeleton to the arms.
  • The pelvic girdle
    • Formed by the hip bones, sacrum, and coccyx.
    • It connects the axial skeleton to the thighs.
The axial skeleton (in teal)

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