Skeletons provide support and protection to organisms. They allow vertebrates to stand upright against gravity and provide a framework for muscle attachment. The human skeleton consists of bones and cartilage. Bones are living tissues composed of cells, collagen fibers, and mineral deposits. Cartilage is softer tissue found at joints. Skeletal muscles attach to bones via tendons and facilitate movement by contracting. Antagonistic muscle pairs like the biceps and triceps allow bending and straightening of joints through alternating contraction and relaxation. Plants gain support through turgor pressure in cells and rigidity of xylem tissue.