The skeletal system forms the framework of the body. Everyday movement; walking, throwing a ball, walking up steps need interaction between muscle and bone held together or support by tendons, ligaments and cartilage.

Bones: The adult human skeleton consists of 206 named bones most of which are paired (left and right). They are grouped into the bones of the axial skeleton and bones of the appendicular skeleton.

Joints: When two bones meet, a joint occurs. There are three main types of joints: fibrous joints: the bones are held together by fibrous tissue, cartilaginous joint: bones are held together by cartilage and synovial joints: the bones forming the joint have a synovial cavity.

Cartilage: is a type of connective tissue. hyaline cartilage is found at the end of the bones that meet at a synovial joint. This cartilage provides a degree of shock absorption and offers a smooth surface for the movement of the bones at a synovial joint. This prevents bones rubbing against each other during movement.

Ligaments: are another type of connective tissue. Ligaments offer stability and allow some movement. They are made from closely bundled collagen fibres. This gives them strength, but restricts their flexibility.