Hard bones provide primary support for the endoskeleton while more flexible cartilage is found at the end of all bones, at the joints, and in the nose and ears. In addition to providing support and protecting bodily organs, bones also produce blood cells and store minerals like calcium.

An endoskeleton (internal skeleton) is a charateristic of vertebrate animals, including humans.

An exoskeleton (external skeleton) is common in arthropods like insects, spiders, and crustaceans.

Tough fibrous cords of connective tissue called tendons connect muscles to the skeleton while another type of connective tissue called ligaments connect bones to other bones at joints (elbow, knee, fingers, spinal column).