Skeletal system

Function

Supports the body, protects organs, enables movement with muscles, stores minerals and makes blood in the marrow.

Includes

The adult skeleton usually has 206 bones, plus cartilage and ligaments.¹

A short overview linking this part to related content.

Conditions that affect it

• OsteoporosisCondition
• OsteoarthritisCondition

Specialty

• Orthopaedic surgerySpecialty
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R)Specialty
• Sports medicineSpecialty
• Trauma care and surgerySpecialty

Related to

• DentistrySpecialty
• Radiology (diagnostic and interventional)Specialty
• HistologyTopic

References

1. 1
   NCI SEER Training. Skeletal System. training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/skeletal/
   Educational & historical references · Accessed 2026-10-03