Sign In



Remember Me

MedlinePlus®

A service of the National Library of Medicine.

Resource Library


Powered by Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Healthcare Consumers
 

This information is provided by an independent source. Merck & Co., Inc. is not responsible for this content. Please discuss any and all treatment options with your healthcare professional. The manufacturer of a product generally has the most complete information about that product.
 
Return to Main Index >> How to Use  
 


Dorland Logo
A |  B |  C |  D |  E |  F |  G |  H |  I |  J |  K |  L |  M |  N |  O |  P |  Q |  R |  S |  T |  U |  V |  W |  X |  Y |  Z

 
skeleton (skelŽә-tәn)   the hard framework of the animal body, especially the bony framework of the body of higher vertebrate animals; the bones of the body collectively. Anatomically, it is divided into the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The bones of the skeleton give support and shape to the body, protect delicate internal organs, and provide sites of attachment for muscles to make movement possible. In addition, they store and help maintain the correct level of calcium, and the bone marrow manufactures blood cells. adj., skelŽetal., adj.
Skeleton, seen from the front (left) and rear (right).

Skeleton, seen from the front (left) and rear (right).
 

appendicular skeleton  the bones of the upper and lower limbs, usually consisting of 126 bones in a human being.

axial skeleton  the bones of the head and trunk, including the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum, usually consisting of 80 bones in a human being.





Elsevier Logo
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
Click here for important legal information about Dorland's Medical Dictionary.

 
 
    Print This Page   Add To My Folder