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Human skeletal system

Select a bone on the diagram or use the bone list. Compare its division, location and function.

Simulation
Human skeleton — front viewSimplified adult skeleton. Select bones with touch, mouse, Enter or Space. A separate bone list provides the same controls. Tiny ear bones and the hyoid are schematic callouts.Anterior (front) · grouped teaching diagramVertebral columnVertebral columnCraniumCraniumFacial bones (excluding mandible)Facial bonesMandibleMandibleAuditory ossiclesAuditory ossiclesHyoidHyoidRibsRibsSternumSternumClaviclesClaviclesHumeriHumeriRadiiRadiiUlnaeUlnaeCarpalsCarpalsMetacarpalsMetacarpalsHand phalangesHand phalangesHip bonesHip bonesFemoraFemoraPatellaePatellaeTibiaeTibiaeFibulaeFibulaeTarsalsTarsalsMetatarsalsMetatarsalsFoot phalangesFoot phalanges

Accessible bone list

The same selections as the diagram; useful on small screens and with a keyboard.

Human skeletal system

The skeleton supports the body, protects organs and provides levers for movement. A typical adult has 206 bones: 80 axial and 126 appendicular. The diagram groups bones and is not a count of every individual bone.

Read aloud is unavailable in this browser.

Bone names, quizzes and detailed notes remain in English. Local-language overviews are draft teaching content for fluent-teacher review.

Explore → explain → practise

  1. Select a bone and tell a partner where it is before revealing its function.
  2. Compare front and back views. Find the sternum in front and the scapulae at the back.
  3. Filter by division, then complete five identification and five classification challenges.
  4. Explain one answer aloud. Your partner checks the diagram and the notes.

Worked example

Question: is the femur axial or appendicular? It lies in the thigh, which is part of a limb. Limb bones belong to the appendicular skeleton, so the femur is appendicular.

Classwork and assignments

1. Classify the skull, ribs, humerus and femur as axial or appendicular.

Skull and ribs: axial. Humerus and femur: appendicular.

2. A learner counts 80 axial bones and 126 appendicular bones. Find the total and the difference.

Total = 80 + 126 = 206. Difference = 126 − 80 = 46 bones.

3. Why does selecting “Ribs” highlight several shapes?

The selectable region represents 12 pairs, or 24 individual bones. This diagram groups bones for teaching.

4. Explain why a hip bone and the sacrum belong to different divisions, although both are in the pelvis.

The hip bones belong to the appendicular pelvic girdle. The sacrum is part of the axial vertebral column.

5. Locate the radius and ulna. Which lies on the thumb side in anatomical position?

Both are forearm bones. The radius is on the thumb side; the ulna is on the little-finger side.

6. How many phalanges are in one hand? How are they distributed?

14: two in the thumb and three in each of the four fingers.

7. Compare the tibia and fibula in position and role.

The tibia is medial and carries most lower-leg load. The fibula is lateral and contributes to attachments and ankle stability.

8. Assignment: choose a familiar movement. Name two bones involved and explain why bones alone cannot produce it.

Example: elbow bending involves the humerus, radius and ulna. Muscles generate force; bones act as levers at joints.