Educational X Rays: Learning About the Skeletal System

The skeletal system is an integral part of the human body. It serves as a foundation, giving shape and form to the human body. It also serves other important functions such as supporting, protecting, allowing movement, storing minerals and producing blood in the body.

The skeletal system protects vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs.  The brain is protected by the surrounding skull and the heart and lungs are protected by the sternum and rib cage. There are 206 bones in the human body which give the framework to other organs and soft tissue of the body. The skeletal system is divided into two parts called the appendicular and axial. The axial bones support the head, neck, and trunk while the appendicular bones hold the external body parts to the axial skeleton.

Bodily movement is carried out by the cooperation of the muscular and skeletal systems with the joining of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. In addition, blood cells are produced by marrow located in the bones and important minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are stored in the bones as a reserve for when mineral supplies are low.

To learn more about the important role the skeleton system plays in the human body check out the following resources:

The Skeletal System

• Skeletal System- Real pictures of the human skeleton.

• Bones and Skeletal System – A description with pictures of the bones of the skeletal system.

• Photographs of the Human Skeleton- Images of the human bones at different angles.

• Skeleton – Discovery Health offers pictures of a skeleton and the names of its corresponding bones.

• Hillendale Health: Skeletal System – Informative page on the skeletal system, its role in our bodies, and bone information.

• PATTS Significant Body Systems: The Skeletal System – A deeper look at the skeletal system, tissues, bones, cartilage, ligaments, joints, bone classification, and more.

• Your Bones – A movie for kids on the skeletal system.

• Skeletal System – A great page with information on the skeletal system.

• Introduction To The Skeletal System – Basic functions of the skeleton including the strength of what a bone can stand.

Bone Basics

• An Inside Look at Bone- An image of what a human bone looks like inside.

• How Do Bones and Teeth Grow?- Scientific study of how bones grow.

• Anatomy of the Bone- The inside components of the bone.

• Your Bones – Learn what the inside of bones are made of.

• Bone Function – Lists the main functions of bones from support and protection to blood cell formation.

• Bone Function- Learn the function of the bones and how it correlates with the shape of the bone.

Bone Health

• Promoting Healthy Bones – The department of health goes over bone health.

• Calcium: Build Strong Bones- Information on creating healthy bones by taking calcium.

• The Nutrition Source Calcium and Milk: What’s Best for Your Bones and Health?- Learn how calcium and other nutrients are absorbed into the bone.

• Nutrition MD: Kids Building Health Bones – All about building healthy bones, bone building tips, foods to eat, avoiding bone loss, and more.

• Broken Bones- Learn the names of the different types of fractures.

• Bones Healing – Information on how the bone heals and what can delay the process of healing.

• The Facts About Broken Bones - A page from Kids Health on broken bones

• Osteoporosis – A page for kids about osteoporosis, the types, signs and symptoms and treatment.

Viewing Bones

• X-Rays – An example of how an x-ray machine works.

• Getting an X-Ray – A short video for kids about getting an x-ray.

• Radiographic (X-ray) Examination FAQ’s- General information on what an x-ray is.

• How do X-rays Work?- Learn how any x-rays work and how they are used.