The skeleton is the framework of the human anatomy, supporting the body and protecting its internal organs. Two hundred and six bones compose the skeleton, about half of which are in the hands and feet. Most of the bones are connected to other bones at flexible joints, which lend the framework a high degree of flexibility. Only one bone, the hyoid, is not directly connected to another bone in such an articulation. It anchors the |tongue| and is attached to the |styloid processes| of the |skull| by ~ligament~. The skeletons of male and female bodies are essentially the same, with the only noteworthy exceptions being that female bones are usually lighter and thinner than male bones, and the female |pelvis| is shallower and wider than the male's. This latter difference makes |childbirth| easier.
