Skeletonen

Skeletonen (Dutch for skeletons) refers to the internal or external framework that supports, protects, and gives shape to an organism. In biology, the term covers several structural strategies: internal endoskeletons made of bone and cartilage, external exoskeletons that encase the body, and hydrostatic skeletons that rely on fluid-filled compartments to stabilize and move the body. Endoskeletons are common in vertebrates and some invertebrates, while exoskeletons are typical of many arthropods and certain mollusks.

In vertebrates, the skeleton is organized into the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum, providing protection and a central axis. The appendicular skeleton comprises the limbs and the girdles (shoulder and pelvic), enabling locomotion and interaction with the environment. Joints, ligaments, and tendons connect these parts and allow movement, while muscles attach to bones to produce motion.

Development and maintenance involve ossification processes. Endochondral ossification creates bone from a cartilage model, whereas intramembranous ossification forms bone directly from connective tissue. Growth occurs at epiphyseal plates in long bones and continues through adolescence, followed by remodeling that maintains bone strength and mineral balance.

Functions of skeletonen include structural support, organ protection, movement facilitation, mineral storage (calcium and phosphate), and hematopoiesis in red bone marrow. Common issues affecting skeletonen include fractures, osteoporosis, and arthritis, which can impact stability and mobility.