1. The Skeleton An Introduction

2. Human Skeleton The human skeletal system is made up of 300 bones when we are born. The young bones will mature and fuse together as we age. We have 206 bones at adulthood.

3. Parts of the Skeleton The different bones making up the system are classified into groups. Short bones: which strengthen the skeleton Long bones: which make up our limbs Flat bones: which provide protection and allow for muscle to attach easily Sesamoid bones: which is a bone embedded within a tendon Irregular bones: which don't fit into the previous three categories

4. Function The function of the skeleton is to allow a sturdy frame to support the body. It acts as protection for sensitive and important organs. Without a skeleton the body would be a blob. The skeleton also allows locomotion. The muscles of the body use bones to propel limbs in different ways. Without the bones and muscles working together a human would have a difficult time trying to get around.

5. Parts of the Skeleton

6. Protection The skeleton protects many important organs: The skull protects the brain, the eyes, and the middle and inner ears. The vertebrae protect the spinal cord. The rib cage, spine, and sternum protect the lungs, heart and major blood vessels. The clavicle and scapula protect the shoulder. The pelvis and spine protect the digestive system. The patella and the ulna protect the knee and the elbow. The carpals and tarsals protect the wrist and ankle.

7. The Skull

8. The adult skull is normally made up of 22 bones. Except for the mandible, all of the bones of the skull are joined together by sutures. Normal Skull (infant)

9. Normal Shoulder Joint (adult): scapula coracoid humerus acromion

10. Normal Shoulder Joint adult child

11. Fractured Humerus (adult) Surgical fixation of fractured humerus using plate and screws

12. Spine Normal cervical spine; composite lateral and anterior-posterior views

13. Spine Scoliosis of the thoracic spine (adolescent). Scoliosis This much curve is usually treated with surgery.

14. Elbow and Forearm Normal elbow (adult); lateral view

15. Normal elbow (adult)

16. Fractured Forearm

17. Wrist and Hand

18. Normal Wrist Joint and Hand

19. Foreign Body in Soft Tissues

20. Resources Access Excellence: The National Health Museum Resource Center http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skeleton