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Super Protectors
Bones do more than just support the
body. They also protect the soft organs
inside. Here are some bones that act as
armor for your organs.
Skull
The skull keeps the brain and
sensory organs safe from harm. The
skull is made up of 26 different bones.
The lower jaw and the tiny ear bones
are the only bones in the skull that
move. Did you know that your teeth
are not bones? They are hard, bonelike
structures. Teeth have a hard outer
layer and a soft, pulpy inner layer.
The outer layer of a tooth is covered
by a super strong coating of enamel,
which is the hardest substance in the
human body.
Ribs
In your chest are 12 pairs of
ribs. These ribs protect the heart, lungs,
spleen, stomach, and liver. As you
breathe in, your ribs move up and out.
This helps your lungs take in more air.
Pelvis
The pelvis is made up of three
bones. One is a bone at the base of the
spine called the sacrum. The two other
bones are the hip bones that make
up the pelvic girdle. The pelvic girdle
cradles and shields the intestines and
the bladder.
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