The skeleton supports the human body and gives it its general shape. The skeleton is made of bones.

There are about 206 bones that make up the skeleton of an average adult. The skeleton itself occupies less than 20 percent of the weight^* of the entire body.

An important part of the skeleton is the backbone.

Any connection between different skeletal parts is called a joint. Bones in the skeleton come together at joints and are connected to one another by ligaments. There is usually a cushioning material called cartilage in the joint. Bones are attached to muscles by tendons.