The primary functions of the skeleton are to provide a rigid, internal structure that can support the weight of the body against the force of gravity, and to provide a structure upon which muscles can act to produce… The lower portion of the skeleton is specialized for stability during walking or running.

The skeleton consists of the bones of the body. For adults, there are 206 bones in the skeleton.

axial skeleton — central, vertical axis of the body, including the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage. lower portion of the skeleton — specialized for stability during walking or running. anulus fibrosus — tough, fibrous outer portion of an intervertebral disc, which is strongly anchored to the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae. coccyx — small bone located at inferior end of the adult vertebral column that is formed by the fusion of four coccygeal vertebrae; also referred to as the “tailbone”.

Be able to discuss the functions of the skeletal system; distinguish between the axial skeleton and appendicular skeleton; define the axial skeleton and its components.