The Skeletal System

The skeletal system consists of the bones and joints of the body.  There are 206 bones in the body.  The skeleton helps give the body its shape and supports the weight of all the other tissues.  It provides attachment for muscles and tendons and helps to protect vital organs from injury (i.e. skull protects brain, ribs protect heart and lungs)

Bones of the Skull:

The skull rests upon the upper end of the vertebral column and weighs around 11lbs.  It consists of 22 bones: 

•        8 bones make up the cranium

•        14 form the facial skeleton