Skeletal System in Exercise and Sport

Skeletal System in Exercise and Sport

• Skeletal System Structure: The skeleton comprises various bones: cranium, clavicle, ribs, sternum, scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, phalanges, pelvis, vertebral column (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, coccyx), femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsals, metatarsals. Bones are categorized as long, short, flat, sesamoid, or irregular. The axial skeleton includes the skull, spine, and ribs; the appendicular skeleton comprises the limbs. The spine has curves (neutral alignment important). Postural deviations like kyphosis and scoliosis are also relevant. Bone growth involves osteoblasts (building) and osteoclasts (resorbing).

Skeletal System Function

• General Skeletal Function: The skeleton provides support, protection, muscle attachment, blood cell production, mineral storage, leverage, weight-bearing, and friction reduction.

• Bone Type Function: Long bones (e.g., femur) provide leverage and blood cell production; short bones (e.g., carpals) are for weight-bearing; flat bones (e.g., ribs) protect organs; sesamoid bones (e.g., patella) reduce friction at joints.

Joints

• Joints of Upper and Lower Body: Upper body joints include shoulder, elbow, wrist, and cervical/thoracic vertebrae. Lower body joints encompass hip, knee, ankle, and lumbar/sacrum/coccyx vertebrae.

• Joint Classification: Joints are categorized as fibrous (fixed), cartilaginous (slightly movable), or synovial (freely movable). Synovial joints include ball-and-socket, condyloid, gliding, saddle, hinge, and pivot types. Specific examples of use include the elbow in activities such as weightlifting.

• Synovial Joint Components: Synovial joints have a capsule, bursa, articular cartilage, synovial membrane, synovial fluid, and ligaments. These components are crucial for joint function, influencing range of motion.

• Range of Motion: The shape of articulating bones determines the range of motion (flexion/extension, dorsi/plantarflexion, lateral flexion, etc.).

Skeletal Responses to Exercise

• Short-Term Response: Weight-bearing exercise simulates increased mineral uptake in bones.

Skeletal Adaptations to Exercise

• Long-Term Adaptations: Regular exercise leads to increased bone and ligament strength, as these tissues adapt to the stresses imposed.

Additional Factors Affecting Skeletal System

• Skeletal Diseases: Diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis can affect bone health. Exercise can counteract these conditions.

• Age and Exercise: Resistance training in young children can potentially disrupt proper bone growth.

Test your knowledge on the skeletal system's structure and functions, specifically in relation to exercise and sports. This quiz covers bone types, skeletal organization, and the impact of postural deviations on performance.