The skeletal system protects the body's vital organs. The skull bones protect the brain as well as the auditory and visual senses. The spinal cord, the most important nerve bundle, is located within the vertebrae of the neck and spine. The heart and lungs are protected under the ribs. Hip bones protect our genitals.

The skeletal system also forms the body's backbone. Cartilage and joints support and connect bones with one another. Muscles are needed to keep our bodies in the desired position and to help with movement in conjunction with the skeletal system. Muscles are attached to bones, and their function is to move the bones and thus the body as a whole. By doing so, bones and muscles allow us to move around.

Blood cells are produced in bone marrow. In children, round large bones, such as the femur, produce red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in their bone marrow. In adults, blood cell production is concentrated to flat bones, as the round bones of adults have been filled with adipose tissue.

Bones give our body its basic form. For example, facial bones determine many of our facial features. However, things like our diet and lifestyle influence our appearance, as well.