The Skeletal System

The Skeletal System provides a rigid Framework for the body. It consists of 206 bones with other associated tissues, such as cartilage and ligaments. Cartilage is a tough, fibrous connective tissue that is both stiff and flexible also known as gristle. Ligaments are flexible bands of fibrous tissue that bind joints together and provide connections between bones and cartilage. Tendons are also bands of fibrous tissue, they attach muscle to bone. (Achilles tendon)
The skeletal system may be divided in to two parts the Axial Skeleton and the Appendicular skeleton. The Axial Skeleton has 80 bones and consists of the skull, spine, sternum, and ribs. The Appendicular Skeleton has 126 bones and includes the bones of the extremities (arms and legs) and those of the pelvis and shoulders.