Skeletal System

Skeletal system is the system of bones, associated cartilages and joints 

of human body. Together these structures form the human skeleton. Skeleton can be defined as 

the hard framework of human body around which the entire body is built. Almost all the hard parts 

of human body are components of human skeletal system. Joints are very important because 

they make the hard and rigid skeleton allow different types of movements at different locations. If 

the skeleton were without joints, no movement would have taken place and the significance of 

human body; no more than a stone.

Components of Human Skeleton: • Bones • Cartilages • Joints

Functions of human skeleton: Human skeleton performs some important functions that are 

necessary for survival of human beings.

Strength, support and shape: It gives strength, support and shape to the body. Without a 

hard and rigid skeletal system, human body cannot stand 

upright, and it will become just a ag of soft tissues without 

any proper shape

Protection of delicate organs: In areas like the rib cage and skull, the skeleton protects inner 

soft but vital organs like heart and brain from external shocks. 

Any damage to these organs can prove fatal, therefore 

protective function of skeleton is very important

Leverage for movements: Bones of the human skeleton in all parts of body provide 

attachment to the muscles. These muscles provide motor 

power for producing movements of body parts. In these 

movements the parts of skeleton acts like levers of different 

types thus producing movements according to the needs of 

the human body.

Production of red blood cells: Bones like the sternum, and heads of tibia have hemopoeitic 

activity (blood cells production). These are the sites of 

production of new blood cells