Skeleton. Computerenhanced engraving of a praying male skeleton (in side view). Drawn by William Cheselden it was published in Osteographia in 1733. Cheselden (16881752) was an English surgeon. The human skeleton is composed of 213 bones joined with ligaments and tendons to form a protective and supportive framework for the attached muscles and underlying soft tissues of the body. The skeleton consists of two main parts, known as the axial and appendicular skeletons. The axial skeleton comprises the skull, spine, ribs and sternum; the appendicular skeleton is formed by the shoulder and pelvis and their attached limb bones.