Human Skeletal System Overview

Overview

The skeletal system is a complex system that provides structural support, protection, and movement for the body. It consists of 206 bones that make up the adult skeleton.

Functions

• Support: Provides a framework for the body, allowing it to maintain its shape and providing attachment points for muscles. • Protection: Protects internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and brain, by encasing them in a protective cage of bones. • Movement: Acts as a system of levers, allowing for movement and mobility. • Blood cell production: The bones in the skeletal system are responsible for producing blood cells. • Storage of minerals: Bones act as a storage site for minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.

Types of Bones

• Long bones: Characterized by a shaft (diaphysis) and two ends (epiphyses). Examples: femur, humerus. • Short bones: Cube-shaped bones that provide support and stability. Examples: carpals, tarsals. • Flat bones: Thin, flat bones that provide protection and support. Examples: ribs, sternum. • Irregular bones: Bones that do not fit into any of the other categories. Examples: vertebrae, pelvis.

Bone Structure

• Compact bone: Dense, compact bone tissue that makes up the outer layer of bones. • Cancellous bone: Spongy, porous bone tissue that makes up the inner layer of bones. • Bone marrow: The spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced.

Joints

• Types of joints: Synovial, cartilaginous, and fibrous joints. • Functions of joints: Allow for movement, provide flexibility, and absorb shock.

Disorders and Diseases

• Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by a decrease in bone density, leading to brittle bones. • Osteoarthritis: A condition characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in joints, leading to pain and stiffness. • Rickets: A condition characterized by softening of the bones in children, often due to vitamin D deficiency.

Skeletal System

• Provides structural support, protection, and movement for the body
• Comprises 206 bones in the adult skeleton

Functions of the Skeletal System

• Provides a framework for the body, allowing it to maintain its shape and providing attachment points for muscles
• Protects internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and brain, by encasing them in a protective cage of bones
• Acts as a system of levers, allowing for movement and mobility
• Responsible for producing blood cells
• Acts as a storage site for minerals such as calcium and phosphorus

Types of Bones

• Long bones: Characterized by a shaft and two ends, e.g. femur, humerus
• Short bones: Cube-shaped bones that provide support and stability, e.g. carpals, tarsals
• Flat bones: Thin, flat bones that provide protection and support, e.g. ribs, sternum
• Irregular bones: Bones that do not fit into any of the other categories, e.g. vertebrae, pelvis

Bone Structure

• Compact bone: Dense, compact bone tissue that makes up the outer layer of bones
• Cancellous bone: Spongy, porous bone tissue that makes up the inner layer of bones
• Bone marrow: The spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced

Joints

• Types of joints: Synovial, cartilaginous, and fibrous joints
• Allow for movement, provide flexibility, and absorb shock

Disorders and Diseases

• Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by a decrease in bone density, leading to brittle bones
• Osteoarthritis: A condition characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in joints, leading to pain and stiffness
• Rickets: A condition characterized by softening of the bones in children, often due to vitamin D deficiency