Structure & Function of the Skeleton
The human skeleton is a complex collection of different-sized and shaped bones designed around a specific purpose. It is symmetrical with two of every major structure except for the head and spinal column. Bones have a two-fold purpose and are classified in six major categories.
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Identification
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The skeleton is the support system of the human body. It consists of 206 bones held together by cartilage, tendons and ligaments.
Features
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The human skeleton is the only skeleton on the planet designed to walk upright. We have arched feet that lead into legs that angle slightly outward, a spinal column in the shape of an "S" and hands with opposable thumbs for grasping and manipulating.
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Function
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The human skeleton has a two-prong function, to support muscles and to protect organs. Bones like the skull encase the brain to protect it from damage and bones like the femur support quadricep and hamstring muscles to aid in walking.
Benefits
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One benefit to our upright stature is that our hands are free to carry items from place to place vs. tasked with locomotion. Another benefit to upright motion is being able to see obstaclesin the distance, allowing us to plan around them vs. react to them.
Types
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The human skeleton consists of long bones, needed for strength (femur), flat bones, which are thin and allow large areas for muscle attachment and mechanical protection (shoulder blades), and irregular bones, shaped for a specific purpose (spinal column). Also included are short bones, designed to function as part of a larger unit (ankle and wrist bones), sutural bones, which connect the skull together and sesamoid bones, needed to help protect joints, like the kneecap.
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