The basis of the human skeleton.

The human skeleton is made up of 206 bones. The functions of the skeleton are to provide support, give our bodies shape, provide protection to other systems and organs in the body, provide attachment to muscles, generate movement and produce red blood cells. The skeleton can be divided into two parts, known as axial and appendicular. The axial skeleton consists of the central nucleus of the skull, spine, and ribs, while the appendicular consists of the arms and legs. Bones are formed by ossification of cartilage. This really means that all bones start out as cartilage and gradually develop into hard bone (ossification) over several years.