Group of Skeleton

Introduction

The skeletal system works as the basic structure of a body and the complete body are created around the hard framework of Skeleton. It is the mixture of all the bones and tissues linked with cartilages and joints. Almost all of the hard or solid portions of the body are the fundamental components of the skeletal system. Joints play a crucial part in the skeletal system as it aids in permitting the different sorts of movements at distinct locations. If the skeleton were without joints, then there would be no indication of the movements in the human body.

Skeletal System Anatomy

This skeletal system can be separated into the axial and appendicular systems. In an adult body, it is mostly made of 206 individual bones which are grouped into two primary divisions:

Axial Skeleton

The axial skeleton runs along the body’s central axis, consequently it is called the central core of the human body. The axial skeleton is formed of 80 bones and it consists of:

1.Skull Bone – It includes 8 cranial bones, 14 face bones, 6 auditory ossicles, and the Hyoid Bone

2.The bone of the Thoracic Cage — It includes 25 bones of the thorax- a breastbone and 24 ribs.

3.The bone of the Vertebral column– It includes 24 vertebrae bones, the sacrum bone, and the coccyx bone.

1.Skull

The brain, which is delicate and soft, is protected and covered by the skull during its development. It is composed of the cranium and facial bones, with the role of the former being to protect the brain. The cranium is made up of eight plate-shaped bones that are connected together by sutures to form the face. The facial bones are made up of the remaining 14 bones, which are joined together by the skull. The Mandible is the sole movable bone in the human skull, and it is responsible for forming the lower jaw and keeping the lower teeth in the proper position.

2.The Spine

The spine, also known as the vertebral column, is a complex of bones, nerves, tendons, muscles, and ligaments that are interrelated. It is possible that any damage to these sections will result in discomfort as well as neurological problems or possibly loss of motion. The vertebral column, which is made up of 33 bones known as vertebrae, serves as the structural foundation for the spine. There are five types of vertebrae: cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, sacrum vertebrae, and coccyx vertebrae. Cervical vertebrae are the most common type of vertebrae. These spinal columns serve to protect the spinal cord while also stiffening and providing structural support for the body’s mass. Pectoral and pelvic girdle bones and muscles are linked to the spinal column by means of ligaments.

3.The breastbone

It is also known as the sternum, is a long, flat bone that is located in the center of the chest or anteriorly to the thorax. It is located approximately in the middle of the chest. The sternum is connected to the ribs and cartilage, resulting in the formation of a rib cage. The sternum is formed by the attachment of the first seven ribs to the clavicle or collarbone. It helps to keep the lungs, heart, and major blood vessels safe from injury and illness.

4.Hyoid

It is the bone that connects the floor of the mouth, the tongue, the larynx, the epiglottis, and the pharynx to the rest of the body. Located in the front triangle of the neck, it is a U-shaped bone that is held in place by muscles called strap muscles. It aids in swallowing because it provides support for the tongue and because it does not articulate with any other bones. It is considered to be a transitional structure between the postcranial skeleton and the skull.

5.Ossicles of the Auditory Organs

These three bones, namely the malleus, incus, and stapes, which are located in the middle ear and are the smallest bones in the human body, are collectively referred to as the ossicles. These aid in the transmission of sounds from the air to the cochlea, which is a labyrinth-like structure filled with fluid. In the absence of auditory ossicles, it is possible to experience hearing loss.

6.Ribs

The heart and lungs, which are the body’s internal organs, are protected by the ribs. The thorax consists of a group of 12 long curved bones that act as a protective cage for the heart and lungs. These protect the thoracic organs because they are a part of the bony thorax. The ribs or the bones in this location articulate with the vertebral column and terminate as cartilage, namely costal cartilage, on the rear and anterior sides, respectively.

Appendicular skeleton

The appendicular skeleton is formed of 126 bones and it comprises of the-

1.Pelvic girdle

2.Upper Limbs

3.Lower Limbs

4.Shoulder Girdle / Pectoral

5.Skeletal System Physiology

1.Shoulder Girdle – Also known as the pectoral girdle, the shoulder girdle is a group of four bones that link the arm on each side of the body. It is the component of the appendicular skeleton that is responsible for the movement of the upper limbs. The clavicle and the scapula are the two bones that make up the shoulder joint in humans.

2.Arms and Forearms – Large bones such as the humerus, radius, and ulna make up this region’s arms and forearms, which are 6 bones in total.

3.Hands – In the hands, there are 54 bones that provide flexibility and support to the soft tissues that are found in the hands, as well as the fingers. The hand bones are divided into three groups: the carpals, the metacarpals, and the phalanges.

4.Pelvis:- The pelvis is a bony structure that may be found in the lower region of the trunk and is shaped like a ring. It is made up of two bones, notably the coccyx and the sacrum. The pelvic girdle also includes the pubis, ischium, and ilium, which are three paired hip bones that make up the pelvic girdle. This structure assists in moving the body by shifting the body weight from the axial skeleton to the appendicular component and assisting in the movements. It is also attached to a number of muscles and ligaments, which allows it to move more freely.

5.Thighs and Legs – The bones present in this region provide support for the muscles of the lower limbs and aid in activities such as walking, standing, running, and leaping. These are large, robust bones that support the entire body weight. The femur, often known as the thigh bone, is the largest and heaviest bone in the human body, measuring approximately 25 inches in length. The tibia and fibula are two additional long bones that are found in the lower leg and are intimately connected at the knee and ankle.

6.Feet and Ankles – The foot is the major and stable platform that supports the entire weight of the body, and the major bones found here include the tarsals, phalanges, and metatarsals. Ankles – Ankles are the little bones that connect the toes to the rest of the body.

The basic tasks of the skeletal system are movement, support, protection, generation of blood cells, storage of minerals and endocrine regulation.

Following are the Major Roles of Skeletal System

1.Support

The major role of the skeletal system is to create a sturdy foundation to support and secure the human body and its organs. This aids in keeping the general form of the human body.

2.Protection

The skeletal system also assists to preserve our internal organs and other delicate body organs, including the brain, heart, lungs and spinal cord by functioning as a buffer. Our cranium (head) protects our brain and eyes, the ribs protect our heart and lungs and our vertebrae (spine, backbones) protect our spinal cord.

3.Movement

Bones offer the basic structure for muscles to attach themselves onto so that our bodies are able to move. Tendons are stiff inelastic bands that bind our muscle to that particular bone.

4.Storage

The bone matrix of the skeletal system is principally involved in storing or keeping different types of critical minerals which are required to promote growth and repair of the body cells and tissues. The cell-matrix works as our calcium bank by accumulating and releasing calcium ions into the blood cell as required.

5.Regulation of Endocrine glands

The bone cells located inside the skeletal system plays a crucial function in releasing the generated hormones from the separate endocrine glands for the subsequent required by the body for different metabolisms. Apart from these duties, the skeletal system also helps to regulate blood sugar.

Conclusion

In addition to providing structural support for your body, the skeletal system also functions as a muscular system. It gives the body its structure, allows for movement, produces blood cells, protects organs, and serves as a mineral storage facility for the body. The skeletal  system is referred to as the musculoskeletal system in some circles.