“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
The skeleton is the framework of bones and cartilage that supports the body and gives it shape. It also protects the internal organs and provides attachment points for muscles, which enable movement. The human skeleton is composed of 206 bones, which are divided into two main categories: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.
The axial skeleton consists of the skull, vertebral column, and ribcage. The skull protects the brain and supports the structures of the face, while the vertebral column (spine) supports the head and trunk and protects the spinal cord. The ribcage protects the heart, lungs, and other vital organs.
The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones of the arms, legs, pelvis, and shoulder girdle. It provides support and attachment points for the muscles that allow us to move and manipulate objects.
Bones are composed of living tissue that is constantly undergoing a process of breakdown and rebuilding called remodeling. The cells responsible for bone remodeling are osteoblasts, which build new bone, and osteoclasts, which break down old bone. Bone remodeling is influenced by a variety of factors, including exercise, hormones, and nutrition.
Cartilage is a connective tissue that is found in many parts of the body, including the joints, ears, and nose. It is more flexible than bone and provides a smooth surface for joint movement. Injuries to cartilage can be difficult to heal because cartilage has a limited ability to regenerate.