endoskeleton
Inner body frame
An endoskeleton is an internal skeleton—the bony or cartilaginous framework inside an animal's body that provides structure and support.
Humans and other vertebrates have endoskeletons, as opposed to the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans, which encase the body from outside.
The prefix endo- means within.
Rigid internal support structure
- skullHead's bone casing
- spineColumn of vertebrae
- ribsThoracic bone set
- vertebraeInterlocking bones of spine
femur · pelvis · cranium · clavicle · scapula · sternum · humerus · tibia
Element twenty, builds bones
- phosphorusGlow-in-dark element
- collagenStructural body protein
- mineralizationConversion to mineral form
- ossificationConversion to bone tissue
osteoblasts · osteoclasts · cartilage · periosteum · trabecular
Earliest Paleozoic period
- fossilPreserved ancient organism
- notochordEmbryonic axial support structure
- cartilaginousComposed of flexible connective tissue
- bonyThin, with protruding skeleton
paleontology · homology · phylogeny · adaptation · diversification
Gilled aquatic vertebrate
- amphibiansVertebrates with aquatic larvae
- reptilesCold-blooded scaly vertebrates
- birdsEgg-laying flying vertebrates
- mammalsHair-bearing, milk-producing animals
chordates · tetrapods · sharks · rays · snakes · lizards · frogs · whales
To uphold or sustain
- protectionGuarding against harm
- locomotionAbility to travel independently
- movementChange in position
- load-bearingSustaining structural mass
posture · rigidity · flexibility · leverage · mobility
Split in hard material
- osteoporosisDisease weakening skeletal structure
- healingRestoration of health
- arthritisInflamed joint disease
- scoliosisLateral vertebral deviation
bones
Rigid internal support structure
vertebrae · femur · pelvis · cranium · clavicle · scapula · sternum · humerus · tibia · fibula
calcium
Element twenty, builds bones
- phosphorusGlow-in-dark element
- collagenStructural body protein
- mineralizationConversion to mineral form
ossification · osteoblasts · osteoclasts · cartilage · periosteum · trabecular
Cambrian
Earliest Paleozoic period
- fossilPreserved ancient organism
- notochordEmbryonic axial support structure
- cartilaginousComposed of flexible connective tissue
bony · paleontology · homology · phylogeny · adaptation · diversification
fish
Gilled aquatic vertebrate
- amphibiansVertebrates with aquatic larvae
- reptilesCold-blooded scaly vertebrates
- birdsEgg-laying flying vertebrates
mammals · chordates · tetrapods · sharks · rays · snakes · lizards · frogs · whales · humans
support
To uphold or sustain
- protectionGuarding against harm
- locomotionAbility to travel independently
- movementChange in position
load-bearing · posture · rigidity · flexibility · leverage · mobility
fracture
Split in hard material
- osteoporosisDisease weakening skeletal structure
- healingRestoration of health
- arthritisInflamed joint disease
- adaptationnatural selection, evolution, mimicry, camouflage, hibernation
- anatomybrain, heart, bones, liver, stomach
- skeletal systemskull, femur, tibia, fibula, humerus
- zoologymammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects
- animal traitsfur, tail, claws, teeth, wings
- endo- wordsendoscope, endoscopy, endorphin, endothermic, endogenous
endoskeletonexoskeleton
External skeletal structure
shell · cuticle · carapace · test · armor plating