Five Key Body Characteristics

Skeletal Structure

• The skeletal structure is a vitally important aspect of human biology. It is the portion of the body that gives structure to the rest. Without it, human beings would be a pile of tissue that could not run, walk or move much at all. Many other animal bodies also use a skeleton to provide structure, though some animals have an exoskeleton.

Skin

• Skin is what protects the human body from the outside world; without it, tissue and organs would be exposed. All other animals have skin or at least a barrier of some sort between them and the outside world.

Sensory Input

• Sensory input is another important characteristic of the human body. Like all animals, human beings have a spatial existence. To be able to interact with their spatial environment, they must have a way to take in information about it. Humans are blessed with excellent senses, but all animals use sensory input of one kind or another.

Internal Organs

• Internal organs are also an important characteristic of the body. They regulate a wide variety of bodily functions and are the unseen gears that power and maintain the human machine.

Limbs

• Limbs are another important aspect of the body. Human bodies have legs, feet, arms, hands and, perhaps most important, opposable thumbs to interact with the environment.