The tissues of the skeletal system support and link the other body tissue. The tissues of the skeletal system include: 1. Bones. The human skeleton has 206 bones. Bones are made up living tissue. Their main function is support and protection of the body. 2. Cartilage, This is a dense connective tissue found at the end of bones and is made of tough protein fibers. Cartilage creates smooth surfaces for the movement of bones that are next to each other. 3. Ligaments. These are made of tough protein fibers and connect bones to each other. Muscles are connected to bones by tendons.