Bone tissue (connective tissue consisting essentially of calcium) serves as a support, accounting for nearly the entire skeleton. It also plays a protective role, especially with regard to the central nervous system and the thoracic organs. It is involved in regulating phosphorus and calcium metabolism. It protects the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced.
The cat's skeleton consists of 279 to 282 bones. Generally, these bones are long, small, and thin but highly resistant.
- Spine: 50 to 54 vertebrae divided into five segments or regions, including seven cervical vertebrae, thirteen dorsal or thoracic vertebrae, seven lumbar vertebrae, three sacral vertebrae, and twenty to twenty-four caudal or coccygeal vertebrae (tail).
- Thorax: sternum consisting of eight sternebrae; thirteen pairs of ribs, nine of which are sternal.
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