"Tensegrity systems are structures that stabilize their shape by continuous tension or 'tensional integrity' rather than by continuous compression (e.g., as used in a stone arch)."
Here is a tensegrity model of the human pelvis:
Tensegrity Pelvis from Anatomy Trains (http://www.anatomytrains.com/...)
Tensegrity is also in the underlying structure in the shape(s) of the biological cell, as shown by the work of Dr Donald Ingber (http://www.childrenshospital.org/...) [photo sourced with permission from the Wyss Institute (http://wyss.harvard.edu/... ]
There are many other possible tensegrity structures, such as this class 2 tensegrity tetrahedron
More at http://you-can-touch-this.blogspot.com/ and http://tensegrity.wikispaces.com
Somewhat related are these telescoping puzzles
http://www.kastellorizo.org/...
The Pentachoron, for instance