What is the human skeleton?

The human skeleton is the set of bones and cartilage that support and protect the human body. It is divided into two main parts: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.

What is the axial skeleton?

The axial skeleton is the central part of the human skeleton that is made up of the vertebral column, skull, thorax and hyoid bone. It is responsible for protecting the vital organs found inside, such as the brain, lungs and heart.

Components of the axial skeleton

• Vertebral column: it is made up of 33 vertebrae that are divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal.
• Skull: it is the most superior and anterior part of the axial skeleton. It is made up of 22 bones that protect the brain, ears, eyes and mouth.
• Thorax: is the middle part of the axial skeleton, located between the neck and abdomen. It is made up of the ribs, sternum and thoracic spine. Protects the organs in the thoracic cavity, such as the lungs and heart.
• Hyoid bone: It is a small bone found in the front of the neck, just below the jaw. Its function is to support the tongue and allow the movements necessary for breathing and swallowing.

What is the appendicular skeleton?

The appendicular skeleton is the peripheral part of the human skeleton that is made up of the upper and lower limbs, and the bones that connect them to the axial skeleton. It is in charge of body movements and the manipulation of objects.

Components of the appendicular skeleton

• Upper extremities: it is made up of the bones of the shoulder (clavicle and scapula), the arm (humerus), the forearm (ulna and radius) and the hand (carpal bones, metacarpus and phalanges).
• Lower extremities: it is made up of the hip bones (iliac, ischium and pubis), the thigh (femur), the leg (tibia and fibula) and the foot (tarsal bones, metatarsus and phalanges).
• Shoulder girdle: it is the structure that joins the upper extremities to the axial skeleton. It is formed by the clavicle and the shoulder blade.
• Pelvic girdle: it is the structure that joins the lower extremities to the axial skeleton. It is formed by the hip bones.

Conclusions

In summary, the human skeleton is divided into two main parts: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The function of the axial skeleton is to protect vital organs, while that of the appendicular skeleton is to allow body movements and manipulation of objects. It is important to know the difference between these two parts of the human skeleton to understand its function and the importance of keeping it healthy and in good state.

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