
Human skeleton | Parts, Functions, Diagram, & Facts | Britannica
Jan 23, 2025 · Human skeleton, the internal skeleton that serves as a framework for the body. This framework consists of many individual bones and cartilages. There also are bands of fibrous connective tissue—the ligaments and the tendons—in …
The structure and functions of the human skeleton | Britannica
The human skeleton has two main subdivisions: the axial, comprising the vertebral column and much of the skull, and the appendicular, to which the pelvic girdles and the bones and cartilages of the limbs belong.
Human skeleton - Axial, Visceral, Bones | Britannica
Jan 23, 2025 · Human skeleton - Axial, Visceral, Bones: The cranium—the part of the skull that encloses the brain—is sometimes called the braincase, but its intimate relation to the sense organs for sight, sound, smell, and taste and to other structures makes such a designation somewhat misleading.
Human muscle system | Functions, Diagram, & Facts | Britannica
Feb 13, 2025 · Human muscle system, the muscles of the human body that work the skeletal system, that are under voluntary control, and that are concerned with movement, posture, and balance. Broadly considered, human muscle—like the muscles of all vertebrates—is often divided into striated muscle, smooth muscle, and cardiac muscle.
human skeleton: Facts & Related Content - Encyclopedia Britannica
Human skeleton, the internal skeleton that serves as a framework for the body. This framework consists of many individual bones and cartilages. There also are bands of fibrous connective tissue—the ligaments and the tendons—in intimate relationship with the parts of the skeleton.
Human skeleton - Hands, Feet, Joints | Britannica
Jan 23, 2025 · Human skeleton - Hands, Feet, Joints: The skeleton of the wrist, or carpus, consists of eight small carpal bones, which are arranged in two rows of four each. The skeleton of the ankle, or tarsus, has seven bones, but, because of the angle of the foot to the leg and the weight-bearing function, they are arranged in a more complicated way.
Skull | Definition, Anatomy, & Function | Britannica
Feb 10, 2025 · Skull, skeletal framework of the head of vertebrates, composed of bones or cartilage, which form a unit that protects the brain and some sense organs. The skull includes the upper jaw and the cranium. Learn more about the anatomy and function of the skull in humans and other vertebrates.
Human skeleton - Arms, Legs, Joints | Britannica
Jan 23, 2025 · Human skeleton - Arms, Legs, Joints: The humerus and the femur are corresponding bones of the arms and legs, respectively. While their parts are similar in general, their structure has been adapted to differing functions.
Human skeleton - Skull, Bones, Joints | Britannica
Jan 23, 2025 · Human skeleton - Skull, Bones, Joints: The interior of the cranium shows a multitude of details, reflecting the shapes of the softer structures that are in contact with the bones. The internal surface of the vault is relatively uncomplicated.
Rib cage | Anatomy & Function | Britannica - Encyclopedia Britannica
Feb 8, 2025 · Rib cage, basketlike skeletal structure that forms the chest, or thorax, made up of the ribs and their corresponding attachments to the sternum and the vertebral column. The rib cage surrounds the lungs and the heart, serving as an important means of bony protection for these vital organs.