Final answer:
The human skeleton is divided into the axial and appendicular skeletons, with the axial skeleton consisting of bones such as the skull and spine that protect vital organs, and the appendicular skeleton comprising the limbs and their attachments, which facilitate movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Two Main Groups of Bones in the Human Skeleton
The human skeleton is structured into two main groups: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton forms the central axis and consists of the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage. It includes 80 bones that are involved in protecting the brain, spinal cord, and vital organs located in the thorax. The skull comprises the cranium and facial bones. The vertebral column is made up of 24 vertebrae plus the sacrum and coccyx, while the thoracic cage consists of 12 pairs of ribs and the sternum. The appendicular skeleton includes all the bones of the upper and lower limbs, as well as the girdles (pectoral and pelvic) that attach these limbs to the axial skeleton. This section of the skeleton has a total of 126 bones in the adult and specializes in facilitating movement and supporting the weight of the body during activities like walking or running. Bones are complex organs composed of dense connective tissue, rich in collagen and fortified with calcium and other minerals, which is why they are so hard and rigid. The skeletal system not only gives shape and support to the body but also has several other critical functions, such as protecting internal organs, aiding in movement by providing attachment points for muscles, producing blood cells, storing minerals, and regulating mineral homeostasis.