Skeletal System
Stuid
The human skeletal system has significant functions. It is crucial for our body’s well-being.
The human skeletal system is regarded as the framework of the body. Hence it is located anterior to several organs. The bones which are positioned in the upper part of the body functions as a protective cage for organs including the heart and the lungs. The skeletal system lies posterior to certain organs such as intestines.
Anatomical Description
The skeletal system comprises all joints and bones in the human body. Adult bodies consist of 206 individual bones which are arranged into the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The first skeleton is located along our body’s midline axis and it involves 80 bones which are located in the ribs, skull, auditory ossicles, hyoid, sternum, and vertebral column. The second skeleton comprises the 126 bones in the pelvic girdle, lower and upper limbs, and shoulder girdle. The skeletal system also includes long, short, irregular, flat and sesamoid bones. They differ in their sizes and functions.
Cells and Tissues
Our bones are made up of different types of tissues. This includes the fibrous connective tissue which makes up ligaments and the tendons and the periosteum- irregular connective tissue which covers the outside of a bone. Sensitivity to pain is due to the periosteum which contains nervous tissue and nerve endings. Stem cells and osteoblast cells regulate growth and repair. Osteocytes maintain the strength of the bones. Living bone cells are present on the edges of the bones; in cavities inside the bone matrix.
Functions
- Provides support and gives structure to the human body.
- Plays an important role in protecting the organs, blood cells, and soft tissues of the human body (rib cage protects lungs, vertebral column protects spinal cord).
- Facilitates mobility; enables body movement.
- Stores minerals including calcium.
Homeostasis
Bones maintain homeostasis in the human body.
- Regulates supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells.
- Store calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for nerve impulse conduction and muscle contraction.
- Helps in production of new red blood cells.
Bones protect the human brain. Red blood cells are vital for the human body since they contain hemoglobin. The hemoglobin helps in carrying oxygen from lungs to the rest of the body. Overall, the skeletal system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis.
Disease
- Major disease which affects the human skeletal system is osteoporosis.
- Due to the disease, bones become prone to fracture/become fragile.
- Bones of individuals suffering from osteoporosis will have abnormal tissue structure and decreased density.
- The bone breaks mostly occur in the spine and the hip.
Conclusion
The human skeletal system consists of 206 bones. It plays a major role in protecting the organs from damage, supports the structure of the body, ensures mobility and helps in storing minerals. The skeletal system helps in maintaining homeostasis. It helps in producing new blood cells/supplying oxygen and nutrients. Osteoporosis leads to fracture and weakness of the bones.
In this blog article, we have discussed in detail about the human skeletal system.
Hemoglobin.
Nerve tissues and nerve endings.