The structure in an animal that provides mechanical support for the body, protection for internal organs, and a framework for anchoring the muscles. The skeleton may be external (see exoskeleton) or internal (see endoskeleton). Both types require joints to allow locomotion. The skeleton of higher vertebrates consists of a system of bones (see appendicular skeleton; axial skeleton). Soft-bodied animals have a hydrostatic skeleton.

http://www.eskeletons.org/ The e-Skeletons Project site explores the comparative skeletal anatomy of humans and other primates