Anatomy and Physiology

The Skeleton & Bones

Human skeleton is the internal framework of the body. It is composed of 270 bones at birth – this total decreases to 206 bones by adulthood after some bones have fused together. The bone mass in the skeleton reaches maximum density around age 30. The human skeleton can be divided into the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton is formed by the vertebral column, the rib cage, the skull and other associated bones. The appendicular skeleton, which is attached to the axial skeleton, is formed by the pectoral girdle, the pelvic girdle and the bones of the upper and lower limbs. The human skeleton serves six major functions; support, movement, protection, production of blood cells, storage of ions and endocrine regulation.