Name the three components of the skeleton

The skeleton is composed of three main components: bones, cartilages, and joints.

1. Bones: Bones are a type of connective tissue consisting of four types of cells: osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts, and bone-lining cells. They form the primary framework of the body, providing structure, rigidity, and protection for internal organs. Bones also play a crucial role in locomotion and serve as storage for minerals like calcium and phosphate.
2. Cartilages: Cartilages are smooth, elastic, and resilient tissues that act as cushioning pads. They protect the ends of long bones, joints, and nerves. Cartilages are found in the rib cage, ear, nose, bronchial tubes, and intervertebral discs, providing both rigidity and flexibility. For example, the rings of the trachea are made of cartilage to keep the airway open during breathing.
3. Joints: Joints are connections between bones, classified based on the tissue type and range of movement:
   • Fibrous joints: Immovable, requiring maximum force to move.
   • Cartilaginous joints: Slightly movable, requiring moderate force.
   • Synovial joints: Freely movable, requiring little to no force for movement.

Together, bones, cartilages, and joints support body structure, protection, and movement.