Sitting, standing, walking, picking up a pencil, and taking a breath all involve the skeletal system. It is the structural framework that gives the body its shape and provides protection for internal organs and soft tissues. The term skeleton is derived from a Greek word meaning dried, indicating that the skeleton is the dried, hard parts left after the softer parts are removed. Even with the flesh and organs removed, the skeleton is easily recognized as human. Despite its association with death, however, the skeletal system actually consists of dynamic, living tissues that are capable of growth, adapt to stress, and undergo repair after injury.

This chapter describes the functions of the skeletal system (p. 168), provides an explanation of cartilage (p. 168), and examines bone anatomy (p. 169), bone histology (p. 171), bone development (p. 175), bone growth (p. 180), bone remodeling (p. 183), bone repair (p. 186), calcium homeostasis (p. 187), and the effects of aging on the skeletal system (p. 189).