The Skeletal System

The skeletal system is the framework of bones and cartilage that provides support, protection, and movement for the body. It is made up of 206 bones in the adult human body. The main functions of the skeletal system include:

• Support: It provides a framework for the body, supporting soft tissues and providing attachment points for muscles.
• Protection: The bones of the skull, ribcage, and spine protect vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs.
• Movement: Bones, in conjunction with muscles and joints, facilitate movement and locomotion.
• Storage: Bones store minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are important for the body's metabolic processes.
• Blood cell production: The bone marrow inside certain bones is responsible for the production of blood cells.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to understand about the skeletal system:

1. Bone Structure: Bones are made up of living tissues, primarily collagen and calcium phosphate. They can be classified into long, short, flat, and irregular bones.
2. Types of Bones: There are five main types of bones: long bones (e.g., femur), short bones (e.g., carpals), flat bones (e.g., skull), irregular bones (e.g., vertebrae), and sesamoid bones (e.g., patella).
3. Joints: Joints are the connections between bones and can be movable (synovial joints), partially movable (cartilaginous joints), or immovable (fibrous joints).
4. Bone Development: Bones initially develop as cartilage models and gradually ossify (turn into bone) through a process called ossification.
5. Common Skeletal Disorders: Examples of skeletal disorders include osteoporosis, arthritis, scoliosis, and fractures.

Understanding the skeletal system is essential for comprehending how the human body is structured and how it functions. It is also important for understanding how to maintain bone health and prevent skeletal disorders.