Male skeleton. Historical anatomical artwork of the skeleton of a man in the pose of the Belvedere Apollo (Ancient Greek statue). The 206 bones of the skeleton provide protection and support. Joints between bones allow movement. The skull protects the brain, the ribs of the chest protect the heart and lungs, and the pelvis protects the lower abdominal organs. Long bones in the arms and legs provide support, and the large number of bones in the hands and feet allow great dexterity. The backbone protects the spinal cord, but is still flexible. Artwork (after Cheselden) from The Bones and Ligaments of the Human Body (Ed. Jones Quain, London, 1842).