Which of the following are components of the skeletal system in humans?

1. Analyze the question The question asks which pair makes up the skeletal system, the system that supports the body, protects organs and allows movement.

2. Explain the concept The human skeletal system is made up mainly of:

• Bones, which form the framework (the axial and appendicular skeleton).
• Cartilage, which cushions and shapes structures such as the ear, nose and the ends of bones.
• Joints, where bones meet (ball-and-socket, hinge, etc.).
• Ligaments, which connect bone to bone. They are often counted as associated connective tissue.

Tendons connect muscle to bone, so they belong to the muscular system. Blood vessels belong to the circulatory system, and nerves belong to the nervous system.

3. Solution, option by option

• A. Cartilage and blood vessels: Cartilage is skeletal, but blood vessels are part of the circulatory system. ✗
• B. Ligaments and tendons: Ligaments are associated with joints, but tendons link muscle to bone and belong to the muscular system. ✗
• C. Muscles and nerves: These belong to the muscular and nervous systems. ✗
• D. Bones and joints: Both are core components of the skeletal system. ✓

4. Answer The correct option is D. Bones and joints.

5. Tip Sort the options by system:

• Bone to bone: ligament (skeletal)
• Muscle to bone: tendon (muscular)

If one item in an option clearly belongs to another system, such as blood vessels or nerves, eliminate that option straight away. You will find that only D contains two items that are both clearly skeletal.