Skeletal System Overview

The skeletal system is the framework of the human body, composed of 206 bones in adults. Beyond structure, bones provide vital functions: protecting organs, storing minerals, facilitating movement, and producing blood cells (Clarke, 2008). Far from being static, the skeleton is a living, adaptive tissue.

Bone remodeling is an ongoing process that balances bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. This dynamic cycle allows bones to adapt to stress, repair micro-damage, and maintain mineral balance (Florencio-Silva et al., 2015). Regular physical activity—especially weight-bearing exercise—stimulates remodeling, reinforcing skeletal strength.

The skeleton can be divided into two main sections: the axial skeleton (skull, vertebral column, rib cage) and the appendicular skeleton (limbs and girdles). Understanding these divisions highlights how the body is designed for both protection and mobility. As October emphasizes bone and joint health, revisiting skeletal fundamentals underscores why bone care is foundational to lifelong health.