The Skeletal System
What You’ll Learn
The skeletal system is composed of 206-213 bones, along with cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. The main functions of the skeletal system are to provide structural support, facilitate movement, protect internal organs, and store minerals. Bones consist of compact and spongy bone tissue, and contain cells like osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes that are responsible for bone formation, resorption, and remodeling. The skeletal system is divided into the axial skeleton (skull, ribs, sternum) and the appendicular skeleton (limbs, shoulders, pelvis), each with distinct roles in supporting and protecting the body.