The framework of bones that gives the body shape and provides attachment points for the muscles and underlying soft tissues of the body. The average human adult skeleton has 213 bones (counting each of the 9 fused vertebrae of the sacrum and coccyx as individual bones) joined with ligaments and tendons at points called joints. The skeleton plays an indispensable role in movement by providing a strong, stable but mobile framework on which muscles can act. The skeleton also supports and protects internal body organs.
Skeleton |
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