Bones make up the internal framework and provide structural support for the human body. Their major functions of the skeletal system include: support and protection of organs, points for muscle attachment, leverage for movement, production of blood cells and storage of minerals (particularly calcium and phosphorus). Although the bones are the major component of the skeletal system, hyaline cartilage and fibrous membranes are also important parts of this system. The human skeletal system begins as a hyaline cartilage and fibrous membranes which are then replaced by bone. At birth, there are over 270 bones in the body, however, some of these bones fuse together as we growth to adulthood leaving approximately 207 separate bones in the adult. The largest of these bones is the femur or thigh bone and the smallest are found in the ear.