The musculoskeletal system (also known as the locomotor system) provides form, support, stability, and movement to the body.

The musculoskeletal system is made up of the body’s bones (the skeleton), muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissue that supports and binds tissues and organs together.

Its primary functions include supporting the body, allowing motion, and protecting vital organs. The bones of the skeletal system provide stability to the body analogous to a reinforcement bar in concrete construction.

Muscles keep bones in place and also play a role in their movement. To allow motion, different bones are connected by articulating joints, and cartilage prevents the bone ends from rubbing directly onto each other.