Introduction

Bony Bodies

Some people may think of movement as only caused by muscle. But bones also play a huge role in our ability to move. They support our tissues and give muscles a place to attach and pull. Not all animals have skeletons. Some have developed other systems that allow them to move. But in vertebrates, bones are important for support and movement, protection, and even for making blood cells.

Bones Are Alive

Bones may not seem to do much, because you don’t see the tissues themselves move. But bones are living tissues that can grow, shrink, heal, and help keep you healthy. Explore the parts of a bone and learn about what they do in the Bone Anatomy Viewer, then test your knowledge in the Bone Parts ID Game. If you want to learn more about each of the different bones in your body, make sure to visit the Skeleton Viewer.