Skeletal System
The skeletal system provides the framework for the body, supporting its weight and protecting
internal organs. It also enables movement by serving as points of attachment for muscles.
The adult human body typically has 206 bones, while newborns have about 270 bones, which fuse
as they grow.
Functions of the skeletal system include:
- Support: Provides structural support for the entire body.
- Protection: Protects vital organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs.
- Movement: Acts as levers for muscles to pull on.
- Mineral Storage: Stores minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
- Hematopoiesis: Produces blood cells in the bone marrow.
The skeletal system is divided into two main parts:
1. Axial Skeleton: Includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.
2. Appendicular Skeleton: Includes the limbs and girdles.
Bones are classified by shape:
- Long bones (e.g., femur, humerus)
- Short bones (e.g., carpals, tarsals)
- Flat bones (e.g., skull, ribs)
- Irregular bones (e.g., vertebrae)
Joints are classified based on their structure and function:
- Fibrous joints (immovable)
- Cartilaginous joints (partially movable)
- Synovial joints (freely movable)
Bone tissue types include compact and spongy bone, each serving distinct purposes in strength and
flexibility.
Bone remodeling is a continuous process involving osteoblasts (bone-building cells) and osteoclasts
(bone-resorbing cells).
Diseases of the skeletal system include:
- Osteoporosis: Weakening of bones due to decreased bone density.
- Arthritis: Inflammation of joints causing pain and stiffness.
- Fractures: Breaks in bones due to trauma or disease.
The skull consists of 22 bones and is divided into the cranial and facial bones.
The vertebral column has 33 vertebrae divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral,
and coccygeal.
The rib cage consists of 12 pairs of ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae, protecting the heart and
lungs.
Key girdles include the pectoral girdle (clavicle and scapula) and the pelvic girdle (ilium, ischium,
and pubis).
Bone fractures are classified as simple, compound, comminuted, and greenstick fractures.
Bone healing involves three stages: inflammation, repair, and remodeling.
The skeletal system provides the framework for the body, supporting its weight and protecting
internal organs. It also enables movement by serving as points of attachment for muscles.
The adult human body typically has 206 bones, while newborns have about 270 bones, which fuse
as they grow.
Functions of the skeletal system include:
- Support: Provides structural support for the entire body.
- Protection: Protects vital organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs.
- Movement: Acts as levers for muscles to pull on.
- Mineral Storage: Stores minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
- Hematopoiesis: Produces blood cells in the bone marrow.
The skeletal system is divided into two main parts:
1. Axial Skeleton: Includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.
2. Appendicular Skeleton: Includes the limbs and girdles.
Bones are classified by shape:
- Long bones (e.g., femur, humerus)
- Short bones (e.g., carpals, tarsals)
- Flat bones (e.g., skull, ribs)
- Irregular bones (e.g., vertebrae)
Joints are classified based on their structure and function:
- Fibrous joints (immovable)
- Cartilaginous joints (partially movable)
- Synovial joints (freely movable)
Bone tissue types include compact and spongy bone, each serving distinct purposes in strength and
flexibility.
Bone remodeling is a continuous process involving osteoblasts (bone-building cells) and osteoclasts
(bone-resorbing cells).
Diseases of the skeletal system include:
- Osteoporosis: Weakening of bones due to decreased bone density.
- Arthritis: Inflammation of joints causing pain and stiffness.
- Fractures: Breaks in bones due to trauma or disease.
The skull consists of 22 bones and is divided into the cranial and facial bones.
The vertebral column has 33 vertebrae divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral,
and coccygeal.
The rib cage consists of 12 pairs of ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae, protecting the heart and
lungs.
Key girdles include the pectoral girdle (clavicle and scapula) and the pelvic girdle (ilium, ischium,
and pubis).
Bone fractures are classified as simple, compound, comminuted, and greenstick fractures.
Bone healing involves three stages: inflammation, repair, and remodeling.
