Four Main Parts of a Skeletal System

Although there are four general categories that the bones in the human body fall under, the human skeleton is actually divided into two distinct parts. The axial skeleton includes the bones that form the axis of the body and provide protection and support for the organs located in the trunk, neck, and head, while the appendicular skeleton is made up of the bones that connect and anchor the appendages to the axial skeleton.

Skeletal System Function

The human body is made up of approximately 206 bones that form a framework. These 206 bones work together and are responsible for four main functions. The skeletal system supports muscles and tissues, protects the vital organs from injury and trauma, allows for movement, and stores essential body minerals and immature blood cells 1.

The Axial Skeleton

The axial skeleton is important because it provides the body's vital organs with protection from trauma and injury. The axial skeleton is made up of the skull, which consists of the cranium and the facial skeleton. The cranium protects the brain by enclosing it. The facial skeleton includes the maxilla and mandible bones, which house the teeth. The mandible bone is also known as the jaw bone, and is the only freely movable bone on the skull. The axial skeleton is also comprised of the ribs, the sternum or breastbone, and the spine. These bones all protect the heart, lungs, and other vital organs.

The Appendicular Section

In a human being, the appendicular skeleton consists of 126 bones. The appendicular skeleton is divided into two parts: the upper extremity, and the lower extremity skeletons. The upper extremity skeleton includes the bones that make up the shoulders, arms and hands. The lower extremity skeleton is made up of the pelvis, hips, legs and feet.

Bone Types

The human body consists of bones that fall into four very general categories. These four categories are short bones, long bones, flat bones, and irregular bones. Each bone has a purpose and a job that allows the human body to work freely. Long bones typically work as levers, and are the bones that make up the legs and arms. Flat bones serve as protection for organs, and allow for the attachment of muscles. The ribs and shoulder blades are good examples of flat bones. Irregular bones are those that don't fit into the other three categories. Several of the bones located in the spine and a few of the bones in the skull are irregular.