THE SKELETAL SYSTEM
The body's network of bones, joints, cartilage, and connective tissues works to provide support and protection.

Each of the body's 206 bones is considered a separate organ, because every one forms individually during the individual's developing years.

The full set of skeletal bones is separated into two categories:

1. The axial skeleton includes the bones (skull, vertebrae, thoracic cage) along or near the vertical axis of the body.
2. The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones lateral to the vertical axis (shoulder or pelvic girdle, hip girdle, and limbs).

In addition to providing support of soft body tissues and organs, the skeletal system serves many other functions. Bones surround organs (such as the brain and spinal cord) to protect them, store mineral salts for the body to function normally, and host blood cells within the red marrow of spongy bone tissue. Some bones also provide attachment points for muscles working in concert with tendons to enable body parts to move.