Musculoskeletal System Overview

Musculoskeletal System Overview

• The musculoskeletal system is an organ system composed of bones and muscles.
• Its function is to support the body, protect vital organs, and enable movement.
• Without it, the body would be like a limp pile of jelly.
• It contains three types of connective tissue: bone, ligaments, and cartilage, along with muscles and tendons.

Bone

• Bone tissue is hard and dense, made of bone cells within a matrix of minerals (calcium and phosphorus) and collagen fibers.
• Canals within bones allow for the passage of nerves and blood vessels.
• Only a small percentage of bone cells are living.
• Bones are susceptible to breakage due to their hard and dense structure.
• Bones heal relatively quickly with proper care.
• Common bone fractures include transverse, stress, oblique, greenstick, and comminuted fractures.

Bone Disorder: Osteoporosis

• Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by "brittle bones."
• Proper bone formation requires adequate calcium and vitamin D levels.
• Osteoporosis occurs when the body does not produce enough bone tissue, or loses existing bone tissue faster than it can be replaced.
• It is more common in older individuals.

Ligaments

• Ligaments are tough, elastic connective tissues that hold bones together at joints.
• Their main purpose is to provide stability to joints.
• They are made up of long collagen fibers.
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a well-known ligament in the knee.
• ACL injuries are common in sports, often caused by sudden stress on the knee joint.
• A sprained ankle is an example of a ligament injury, involving strain, tearing, or rupture of the ligaments in the ankle.
• Severity of ligament sprains ranges from grade 1 to 3, depending on the number and extent of the ligaments involved and the severity of the damage.

Cartilage

• Cartilage is a dense connective tissue found in the ear, nose, esophagus, discs between vertebrae, and joints.
• Its composition includes special cells within a matrix of collagen fibers.
• Cartilage is smooth, pliable, and resilient to structural changes.
• Cartilage covers the ends of bones, allowing for frictionless movement.
• Arthritis is a condition where cartilage between bones deteriorates.
• This leads to inflammation within the joint, resulting in pain when used.

Muscle

• Muscles are made up of bundles of long cells called muscle fibers containing specialized proteins, actin and myosin.
• These bundles are grouped together to form muscle tissue.
• Actin and myosin proteins contract in response to nerve signals, causing muscle shortening.
• The myosin protein pulls on actin, generating a tug-of-war effect and muscle contraction.
• Muscles need oxygen and sugar and protein to function and to repair. Insufficient intake can cause lactic acid build up – feeling of burning pain.
• Muscles need to be "damaged" to grow – micro tears during exercise repair and promote muscle growth.
• Common muscle injuries include micro tears (which are okay) and muscle sprains or "pulls".
• Muscle sprains occur when a muscle is overstretched, causing tearing of muscle fibers, Common in large muscle groups (eg. back, hamstrings).
• Recovery from muscle injuries follows the RICE principle (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).

Tendons

• Tendons are similar to ligaments but less elastic and connect muscles to bones.
• They allow muscles to pull on bones, facilitating limb movement.
• Tendons differ from ligaments, as ligaments connect bone to bone for stability, while tendons connect muscle to bone.
• Tendonitis is inflammation/swelling of a tendon due to overuse.
• A tendon rupture occurs when a tendon tears away from the bone (often needing surgery).

Muscles Working in Pairs

• Muscles typically work in pairs (flexors and extensors).
• One muscle acts as an extensor, while the other acts as a flexor— one pulls, one relaxes, to move a joint or limb.
• Bicep and triceps muscle illustrate this concept (bicep flexes, tricep extends the forearm).

Preventative Measures

• Maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle is crucial for preventing musculoskeletal injuries.
• Stretching promotes flexibility, while cardio improves muscle efficiency and function.
• Strength training builds strong muscles, helping to maintain good posture.
• A nutritious diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and proteins is essential for overall health.
• Avoiding foods that cause inflammation (sugar, animal fats) is also beneficial.