Human Anatomy and Physiology: The Skeletal System

Skeletal System

• The skeletal system includes all bones and joints in the body, providing support and protection for soft tissues.
• Each bone is a complex living organ made up of cells, protein fibers, and minerals.
• The skeleton provides attachment points for muscles, allowing for movement at joints.
• Bones produce new blood cells through red bone marrow and store calcium, iron, and energy in the form of fat.
• The skeleton grows throughout childhood and provides a framework for the rest of the body to grow.

Human Skeletal System

• The human skeletal system consists of 206 bones of different sizes and shapes.
• Bone mass reaches maximum density around age 21.

Axial Skeleton

• The axial skeleton consists of the vertebral column, rib cage, skull, and associated bones.
• It provides a framework for the rest of the body.

Appendicular Skeleton

• The appendicular skeleton consists of the shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle, and bones of upper and lower limbs.
• It is attached to the axial skeleton.

Skull

• The skull is composed of 22 bones, with 21 fused bones in adults.
• In children, these bones are separate to allow for skull and brain growth.
• The mandible is the only bone that is not fused.

Neck

• The neck has many muscles for support and structure.
• Neck muscles provide mechanisms for swallowing, speaking, yawning, and moving the head.

Shoulder

• The shoulder joint is a complex joint formed by the humerus and scapula, like a ball and socket.

Thorax

• The thorax is the part of the body between the neck and abdomen.
• It contains the chief organs of circulation and respiration.