What is the main structural component of the human skeleton?

The main structural component of the human skeleton is bone. Bones provide the framework that supports the body, protects vital organs, and allows for movement through their connections with muscles. They are dense, hard tissues made primarily of collagen and inorganic mineral salts, which give bones their strength and rigidity.

While cartilage is found in various parts of the body and serves important functions such as cushioning joints, it does not make up the primary structure of the skeleton. Muscle tissue is responsible for movement but does not contribute to the skeleton's structural integrity. Tendons connect muscles to bones but are not a structural component of the skeleton itself. Consequently, bone is the primary material that constitutes the skeleton, making it the correct answer.