How is a skeletal system different than the skeleton of an adult?

The skeletal system of a child is different from that of an adult in several ways:

1. Number of bones: A child's skeletal system consists of more bones than an adult's. This is because some of the bones in a child's body are separate and later fuse together as the child grows. For example, the skull of a newborn baby is made up of several individual bones that gradually fuse together to form the solid skull of an adult.

2. Shape of bones: The bones in a child's body are typically thinner and more flexible than those of an adult. This is because children's bones are still growing and developing, and they need to be able to withstand the stresses and strains of physical activity. As children get older, their bones become denser and stronger.

3. Growth plates: The ends of long bones in children are covered by growth plates, which are areas of cartilage that allow the bones to grow in length. As children grow, the growth plates gradually close, and the bones stop growing.

4. Bone marrow: The bone marrow in children is redder and more active than that of adults. This is because red bone marrow is responsible for producing red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. As children grow older, the red bone marrow gradually turns into yellow bone marrow, which stores fat.

5. Flexibility: A child's skeletal system is more flexible than that of an adult. This is because children's bones are still growing and developing, and they need to be able to move freely to accommodate the child's growing body. As children get older, their skeletal systems become less flexible and more rigid.

6. Strength: A child's skeletal system is weaker than that of an adult. This is because children's bones are still developing and not as dense as adult bones. As children grow older, their skeletal systems become stronger and more able to withstand the stresses and strains of physical activity.