Human Skeleton System Overview

Study Notes

The human skeleton system is a complex structure that provides support, protection, and movement to the human body. It can be divided into two main parts: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.

Axial Skeleton

The axial skeleton includes the vertebral column, the skull, and the thorax (chest). It is responsible for maintaining the body's upright posture and transmitting weight from the head, trunk, and upper extremities down to the lower extremities. The vertebral column, also known as the spine, is made up of many vertebrae and provides the main central support for the human body. It also protects the spinal cord, a bundle of nerves that connects the brain to the rest of the body. The skull, on the other hand, protects the brain, which is responsible for controlling all bodily functions. The thorax includes the ribs and the sternum, which form the rib cage and protect the heart and lungs.

Appendicular Skeleton

The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones and cartilages of the limbs and the pelvic (hip) and pectoral (shoulder) girdles. It allows for locomotion and other movements of the appendages. The bones of the arms and legs, hands and feet, and shoulder and pelvic girdles are part of the appendicular skeleton. These bones protect the major organs of digestion, excretion, and reproduction.

Major Bones of the Body

Some of the major bones in the human body include the humerus, radius, and ulna, which make up the arms; the femur, tibia, and fibula, which make up the legs; and the pelvis, which connects the spine to the lower legs and helps support the upper body.

Functions of the Skeletal System

The skeletal system has three main functions: support, protection, and motion. It supports the body and gives it shape, protects the delicate tissues of internal organs, and enables movement of the body and its parts.

Bones of the Skull

The bones of the skull include the cranium, which encloses the brain, and the facial bones, which form the face. The skull is composed of 22 bones that fuse together during development.

In conclusion, the human skeleton system is a complex structure that plays a crucial role in supporting, protecting, and moving the human body. It is divided into two main parts, the axial and appendicular skeletons, and consists of various bones and cartilages that perform different functions.

Description

Learn about the structure and functions of the human skeleton system, including the axial and appendicular skeletons. Explore the major bones of the body, functions of the skeletal system, and details about bones of the skull.