endoskeleton – an internal skeleton made up of bone or cartilage within the body

To remember the meaning of endoskeleton, recall that it is inside the body, and use the following mnemonic:

I entered the dojo and saw skeletons (endoskeleton) inside doing martial arts.

An endoskeleton is an internal skeleton system found in vertebrates that consist of hard structures made of bone, cartilage, or both, located inside the body and covered by soft tissue like muscle and skin. Unlike exoskeletons that form external armour, endoskeletons grow within the animal and do not need to be shed or moulted.

The endoskeleton serves multiple functions including providing structural support to maintain body shape, protecting vital organs such as the brain, heart and lungs, and serving as attachment points for muscles that enable movement.

In humans and most vertebrates, the endoskeleton is primarily composed of bone tissue that contains living cells and blood vessels, making it a dynamic system capable of self-repair, growth and adaptation to stress.

The jointed nature of the endoskeleton, with moveable connections between bones, allows for complex movements and flexibility while maintaining support and strength.

All humans and dogs have an endoskeleton.

Sharks have an endoskeleton but they are made of cartilage.