The Skull The brain is the control center of the body. It makes sure that all parts of the body are working together effieciently. It consists of

nerve cells. The Skull forms a hard case that protects the brain. The bones that make up the upper part of the skull have fixed joints so they cannot move. The brain is a very

delicate organ so it is important that the bones protecting it are always in place. If the bones move, the brain might be damaged.

Two Large sockets

at the front of the

skull protect the

eyeballs. Like thebrain, the eyes are delicateorgans which need protection.

The Backbone-The backboneor spinal columnconsists of separate bonescalled vertebrae

that are stacked one on top of another to form a tube, which contain the spinal cord.The Spinal Cordconsists of nervecells and fibers. It connects the brain to the different parts of the body. Like the brain, the spinal cord is very delicate. An injury

to the spinal cord will cause paralysis to a person. The backbone protects the spinal cord from harm. Since the vertebrae are joined by gliding joints, the movements of the bones are limited to sliding, turning or twisting. This limited

movement helps protect the spinal cord.

The Hipbone-The hipbone is attached to the lower partof the backbone. It forms a basinlike structure called thepelvis, which

supports the upper part of the body and protects the lower organs such as the intestines and urinary bladder.

The Ribs Bone-The 12 pairs of Ribs together

with the breastboneform a cagelike structurecalled the chest cavity. Inside the chest cavity are the heart and the lungs, which are delicate organs.