The Skeletal System
206 bones form your frame, protect your organs and store minerals. How the skeleton is organised and why living bone is…
4.8
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Anatomy Category
Skeleton & Muscles
The framework that holds you up and the engine that moves you — bones, joints and the muscles that pull them.
Guides
Guides in Skeleton & Muscles
Start with any guide below — each one is written for beginners and builds on the last.
Bones Explained
What bone is made of, how it constantly rebuilds itself, and how a fracture heals. The surprisingly active life of your…
4.6
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Joints Explained
Where bones meet, movement begins. The types of joints, the role of cartilage and synovial fluid, and how hinges and…
4.8
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The Muscular System
More than 600 muscles move you, stabilise you and pump your blood. The three muscle types and how a thought becomes a…
4.6
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Practice
Related tools
Reinforce what you learn with these interactive tools.
Interactive
Skeleton Explorer
Click through the major bones of the human skeleton and learn each one's name and role interactively.
4.9
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Quiz
Anatomy Quiz
Test your knowledge of the human body with an adaptive multiple-choice quiz and instant, explained feedback.
4.9
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Reference
Anatomy Glossary
A searchable, plain-language glossary of the anatomy terms used across the site.
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Related articles
Deeper dives and fascinating facts from the blog.
How Muscles Actually Grow: The Science of Strength
Muscles grow by repairing tiny stresses from training. Here is what really happens between the workout and the result.
How Bones Heal: The Body's Built-In Repair Kit
A broken bone can knit itself back together in weeks. Follow the four stages of fracture healing, step by step.
The Science Behind Movement: How You Take a Single Step
A single step needs bones, muscles, nerves and balance working in concert. Break down the biomechanics of walking.
Explore another body system
Every part of the body connects to the rest. Browse all nine categories and keep exploring.