Skeletal system

Skeletal System
The human skeleton consists of both fused and individual bones supported and supplemented by ligaments, tendons, muscles and cartilage. It serves as a scaffold which supports organs, anchors muscles, and protects organs such as the brain, lungs and heart.

The longest and heaviest bone in the body is the femur and the smallest is the stapes bone in the middle ear. In an adult, the skeleton comprises around 13% of the total body weight [1], and half of this weight is water.

Fused bones include those of the pelvis and the cranium. Not all bones are interconnected directly: There are three bones in each middle ear called the ossicles that articulate only with each other. The hyoid bone, which is located in the neck and serves as the point of attachment for the tongue, does not articulate with any other bones in the body, being supported by muscles and ligaments.

The skeleton is the site of haematopoiesis, which is the formation of the cellular components in the blood. Haeomatopoiesis takes place in red bone marrow. The skeleton is also involved in regulating the Endocrine system.

Bone cells release a hormone called osteocalcin, which contributes to the regulation of blood sugar (glucose) and fat deposition. Osteocalcin increases both the insulin secretion and sensitivity, in addition to boosting the number of insulin-producing cells and reducing stores of fat.[4]

axial skeleton

appendicular skeleton

source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skeleton

their source [4] is http://download.cell.com/pdfs/0092-8674/PIIS0092867407007015.pdf

Another important note:

look into osteopenia and what things help slow it..

http://www.osteopenia3.com/

How to Build Bone: Separate Bone Formation from Bone Destruction http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100104181523.htm