The skeletal system consists of 206 bones that make up the axial and appendicular skeleton. Bones provide structure, movement, protection and store minerals. There are two types of bones - compact bone which is dense and spongy bone which is porous. Bones develop through intramembranous or endochondral ossification, with long bones forming around cartilage models. Bone growth occurs at the epiphyseal plate until skeletal maturity at age 25. Homeostasis maintains bone mass through the actions of osteoblasts and osteoclasts regulated by hormones. Nutritional deficiencies or excesses can impact bone development.