Explore Human Anatomy

The neck balances the head on seven small vertebrae, steered by layered muscles. It also protects the nerves that travel to the arms.

The shoulder trades stability for mobility: a large ball sits on a small, shallow socket, so muscles—especially the rotator cuff and the shoulder-blade muscles—do much of the work of keeping it centred.

A hinge that also lets the forearm turn palm-up and palm-down; the wrist muscles attach at its two bony bumps.

Eight small carpal bones make the wrist flexible and strong; long tendons from the forearm move the fingers.

The spine is a flexible column of vertebrae and discs that protects the spinal cord and lets you bend and twist.

A deep ball-and-socket joint built for stability and power; big gluteal muscles drive walking, running and jumping.

A hinge between the thigh and shin with a kneecap pulley in front; ligaments and menisci keep it stable and cushioned.

The ankle tilts the foot up, down, in and out; the arches and plantar fascia act as springs that store and return energy.