Axial and Appendicular Bones Skeleton Illustration
The human skeleton is one of my favorite things to illustrate. Like fine Corinthian columns, the architecture of the skeleton rises from the ground level and generates an image of lightness and and air, as it reflects its role to house and protect the soft contents of the human body: like a metaphorical reminder of the relationship, the synchrony of supportive stroma and vital perenchyma.
Human Skeleton Illustration
Skeleton illustration depicting the appendicular skeleton, axial skeleton, vertebral column, the rib cage, sternum, and skull. © 2000 Columbia Healthcare EHC, illustrated by Laura Maaske – Medimagery LLC.
The human skeleton has two major components: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton creates the upright stature of the human body, transmitting weight to the other regions of the body. It includes the vertebral column, the rib cage and sternum, and the skull. The appendicular skeleton includes the pelvis, the arms, and the legs. Its function is to protect the organs and to support movement of the body, as you can see in this skeleton illustration.
The bones perform another function aside from the support and protection of bodily components. Bone marrow is a site of hematopoiesis. Bones are mostly made up of chondroitin sulfate and hydroxyapatite. But they also store calcium and iron, which serve as a reserve to fulfill the body’s needs of these minerals. Finally, bones store osteocalcin, which is a regulatory hormone of blood sugar and fat levels.
Interesting facts:
- We all know that the human skeleton has 206 bones, but we’re actually born with 270.
- The femur is the strongest bone in the human body.
- Humans and giraffes have the same number of bones in their necks.
