Skeletal System

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Skeletal System

Syllabus Coverage
4.1 identify the major bones of the
Organ system that allows skeleton; Cranium, clavicle, scapula,
for the Movement which is vertebral column, humerus, radius, ulna,
rib cage, sternum, pelvic girdle, femur,
one of the characteristics of tibia, fibula.

living organism. 4.2 relate the structure of the skeleton


to its functions; Movement, protection,
support, breathing, production of blood
The skeletal system is an organ system cells.

comprising of bones, muscles, tendons 4.3 relate the structure of a typical


bone to its functions; Diagram of long
ligaments that all work together to bone required (internal view).

4.4 distinguish between bone and


provide a rigid framework for the cartilage; Comparison of characteristics
of bone and cartilage.
body. Each bone is a complex living
4.5 explain the importance of cartilage;
organ that is made up of many cells, 4.6 distinguish between tendons and
protein fibers, and minerals. These ligaments; Comparison of characteristics
and functions of tendons and ligaments.
bones are joined together at 4.7 identify a hinge joint, fixed joint,
and ball and socket joint; Diagrams
joints. There are some major bones that required. Definition of the term joint;
location of joints.
make up the skeletal system which
4.8 describe movement in the hinge
include the cranium, clavicle, scapula, joint, and ball and socket joint;

vertebral column, humerus, radius, 4.9 identify the biceps and triceps of
the upper arm; Diagrams required;
ulna, rib cage, sternum, pelvic girdle, points of origin (location and
definition); points of insertion (location
femur, tibia, fibula. and definition)

4.10 explain how skeletal muscles


function in the movement of a limb;
Diagrams required; the role of
antagonistic muscles in the movement of
limbs; effect of exercise – muscle tone.

4.11 explain the importance of


locomotion to man;

4.12 evaluate the factors which


adversely affect the skeletal system.
Include posture and poor foot-wear

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Anatomy of the Skeletal System

Figure 1. Anatomy of the Human Skeleton

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Main functions of the Skeletal System
Most persons may think that the only function of the skeleton is for movement but its full of
functions. The skeletal system is also responsible for protection, support, breathing and production
of blood cells.
Movement
The bones of the skeletal system act as attachment points for the skeletal muscles of the body.
Almost every skeletal muscle works by pulling two or more bones either closer together or further
apart using tendons. Joints act as pivot points for the movement of the bones. The regions of each
bone where muscles attach to the bone grow larger and stronger to support the additional force of
the muscle. The body uses the skeleton collectively to move from one place to a next.
Protection
The skeletal system’s primary function is to form a solid framework that supports and protects the
body's organs and anchors the skeletal muscles. The bones of the axial skeleton act as a hard shell
to protect the internal organs—such as the brain and the heart—from damage caused by external
forces. Example: the cranium is used to protect the brain, eyes and ears. The sternum and the
ribcage protects heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs in that region. The vertical column protects
the spinal cord. The pelvic girdle protects the uterus.
Support
The bones of the appendicular skeleton provide support and flexibility at the joints and anchor the
muscles that move the limbs. The skeleton provide support for the head and the limbs. The skeleton
protects a framework for other system such as the digestive system, respiratory, reproductive,
excretory system, endocrine etc.
Hematopoiesis/ Production of Blood Cells
Red bone marrow produces red and white blood cells in a process known as hematopoiesis. Red
bone marrow is found in the hollow space inside of bones known as the medullary cavity.
Children tend to have more red bone marrow compared to their body size than adults do, due to
their body’s constant growth and development. This is vital for the replacement of blood cells
in circulatory system.
Storage
The skeletal system stores many different types of essential substances to facilitate growth and
repair of the body. The skeletal system’s cell matrix acts as our calcium bank by storing and
releasing calcium ions into the blood as needed. Proper levels of calcium ions in the blood are
essential to the proper function of the nervous and muscular systems. Bone cells also release
osteocalcin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and fat deposition. The yellow bone marrow
inside of our hollow long bones is used to store energy in the form of lipids. Finally, red bone
marrow stores some iron in the form of the molecule ferritin and uses this iron to form hemoglobin
in red blood cells.

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The Structures of Typical Bone and Functions

Fig 2. Typical structure of the Long Bone


The Bone is made up of the following layers:
 The periosteum is a layer of fibrous tissue that covers the bone.
 Compact bone is the dense, hard, smooth outer part of a bone. It surrounds the medullary
cavity and contains blood vessels and nerves.
 The medullary cavity is the hollow part of bone that contains bone marrow. The bone
marrow makes blood cells and stores fat.
 Spongy bone (also called cancellous bone) is made up of small, needle-like pieces of
bone arranged like a honeycomb. Spongy bone helps to lessen the weight of a bone while
still providing strength.
 Cartilage covers the end of bones. It is a tough, fibrous connective tissue that stops the
bones from rubbing together and acts like a cushion to absorb shock.
Long bones are divided into the following regions.
 The diaphysis, or shaft, of a long bone makes up most of a bone’s length. It contains
mostly compact bone.
 The epiphysis is at each end of a long bone. It contains mostly spongy bone.
 The metaphysis is the part of a long bone between the diaphysis and the growth plate.
 The growth plate, or epiphyseal plate, is a thin disc of cartilage between the epiphysis and
metaphysis. It allows a bone to get longer and disappears by about 20 years of age.

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Bones and Cartilage: Definitions and Comparison
The Skeletal system is made up of two main tissues bone and cartilage. The both tissues consist of
cells within extensive matrix of collagen fibres and other material that the cells produces.
Cartilage is thin, avascular, flexible and resistant to compressive forces.
Bone, on the other hand, is highly vascularized, and its calcified matrix makes it very strong.

Table 1. Difference between the bone and cartilage


Bone Cartilage
Matrix consists of tough collagen fibres Material between the cells is softer and is
hardened by calcium salts much more flexible.
Many blood vessels in bone tissue No blood vessel
providing cells with oxygen nutrients, such
as glucose, amino acids, calcium and
phosphate and hormone such vitamin D

Importance of Cartilage
Cartilage consists primarily of water, which accounts for its resilience, that is, its ability
to spring back to its original shape after being compressed.

The cartilage, which contains no nerves or blood vessels, is surrounded by a layer of dense
irregular connective tissue, the perichondrium. The perichondrium acts like a girdle to
resist outward expansion when the cartilage is compressed. Additionally, the
perichondrium contains the blood vessels from which nutrients diffuse through the matrix
to reach the cartilage cells internally. This mode of nutrient delivery limits cartilage
thickness.

Fig 3. Cartilage on the bones.

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Tendons and Ligaments

A ligament is the fibrous connective tissue that connects bones to other bones. Most ligaments are
made up of collagen and are tough, but they have some elastic tissue which mean they can stretch a
little. Ligaments provide support to the joints and form a capsule around the joints. Example: behind
the neck has ligaments that supports the head.

Tendons are mainly used to connect bones to muscles. Tendons like ligaments are made of
connective fibres- collagens. The collagen fibres run deep into the muscle and the bone providing a
firm anchorage at either end. When muscles and tendon shorten, they pull the tendons, which do not
stretch so all the force is transmitted to the bone cause it to move.

Figure. 4 Tendon and Ligament in the Skeletal System

Quick Note! The synovial fluid is secreted by the synovial membrane surrounding the
joint. This fluid is an oily liquid that lubricates the joint.

Joint
A joint is the point where two or more bones meet. There are three main types of
joints; Fibrous (immoveable), Cartilaginous (partially moveable) and the Synovial (freely
moveable) joint.
Hinge joint
A hinge joint is a common class of synovial joint that includes the ankle, elbow, and knee joints.
Hinge joints are formed between two or more bones where the bones can only move along one
axis to flex or extend.
Example: knee and elbow.

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Figure 5. Joint at the Knee
Fixed joint
Fixed joints refer to the joints that provide stability to certain areas of the body, such as the joints
of the bones of the skull and pelvis. They are characterized by the continuity of bony segments
that are tightly joined and are separated by a thin layer of fibrous connective tissue. Synarthrosis
joints are called “fixed” or immovable” because they do not move.
Example: skull and pelvis

Figure 6. Fixed Joints in the Skull

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Ball and socket joint
Ball and socket joints involve the round head of one bone (the ball) fitting snuggly into the
rounded pocket of another bone (the socket). These joints allow motion in numerous directions
as the ball rotates within the socket.
Examples of Ball and Socket Joints
The upper arm (humerus) and shoulder (scapula) are connected using a ball and socket joint.
This union is held in place by ligaments, tendons, and muscles, and cushioned by cartilage.
Another example of a ball and socket joint in humans is found in your hip. The head of your
upper leg, or femur bone, fits into a pocket created by your pelvis.

Figure 7. Ball and Socket Joint at the Shoulder

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Movement in the Hinge Joint and Ball and Socket Joint
Hinge Joint
Hinge joint can move along one axis to flex and extend, or bend and straighten. Hinge
joints do not naturally rotate or move from side to side.

Ball and Socket Joint


Ball-and-socket joints are classified functionally as multiaxial joints because they can move bones
along several axes. The muscles that surround the joints permit the humerus and femur to move
away from the body’s midline (abduction), toward the body’s midline (adduction), forward
(flexion), and backwards (extension).

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