The skeleton is a firm hard structure that supports the body and keeps the internal organs in their proper place. Hollow spaces in the skeleton are designed to hold organs. For instance, the skull holds the brain, the chest cavity holds the lungs and heart , while the abdominal cavity holds the gastrointestinal organs. The pelvis and leg bones are strong and thick to support the weight of the entire skeleton.
The vertebral or spinal column protects the delicate spinal cord and the bony thorax comprising of the ribs and sternum protects the heart and lungs.
