The Unique Features of Human Skeletal System

The human skeletal system, also known as the skeleton, refers to the total number of bones in the body that are joined together (through the use of joints). 

Body structure serves to support, protect, and shape the body while also allowing for more freedom of movement and freedom of movement.

Each bone is made up of a complex combination of cells, minerals, and protein fibres.

 We would be unable to carry out our daily activities such as standing, sitting, and walking if we did not have a skeleton.

It also has the additional benefit of protecting our body’s soft tissues and internal organs.

 The skull, for example, covers and protects the brain, which is extremely soft, and the ribs protect the lungs and heart, among other things.

Bones have a variety of functions.

1.Bones are responsible for giving the body its shape.

2.Internal organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs, among others, are protected by the bones.

3.It provides structural support for the body and serves to anchor muscles.

4.Minerals such as calcium and phosphate are stored in the bones for a long period of time.

5.Bones play an important role in the facilitation of body movements.

6.The formation of red blood cells takes place in the bones.

The skeletal system of the human body is divided into two major divisions:

• Axial Skeleton
• Appendicular Skeleton

Axial Skeleton

The axial skeleton is composed of 80 bones and is located in the middle of the body’s axis. It encompasses the following areas:

Skull

The cranium and facial bones are the components of the human skull.

 The cranium’s primary function is to protect the brain from injury. 

It is composed of eight plate-shaped bones that are joined together at sutures, which are points where the bones meet. 

The facial bones are made up of the remaining 14 bones, which are joined together by the cranium. The mandible is the only bone in the human skull that can be moved.

Hyoid

It is a U-shaped bone that is found in the anterior neck region of the body.

 It serves as a transitional structure between the skull and the postcranial skeleton. 

This bone assists with the movement of the tongue and swallowing. 

It does not articulate with any of the other bones.

Auditory Ossicles

Auditory ossicles, also known as malleus, incus, and stapes, are three bones in the middle ear that are the smallest bones in the human body. 

They are the smallest bones in the human body. Sound is transmitted from the air to the cochlea through the ossicles, which serve a variety of functions.

Ribs

In the rib cage, the ribs are the long, curved bones that support the body’s weight. 

The ribs are made up of 24 bones that are arranged in 12 pairs to form the protective cage of the thorax.

 The ribs are responsible for protecting the thoracic internal organs. They articulate with the vertebral column on the posterior side and terminate on the anterior side as cartilage.

Sternum

This bone is located in the central part of the chest.

 It is known as the sternum or breastbone. The rib cage consists of the sternum and ribs.

 The sternum is connected to the first seven ribs as well as the Clavicle (collarbone) by a series of bones.

The Vertebral Column 

An intervertebral disc is a cushion-like structure that separates the vertebral column, which is made up of approximately 33 bones called vertebrae. The vertebral column can be divided into five categories based on its structure. The cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, sacrum spine, and coccyx spine are all involved.

Characteristics and functions of the Vertebral column

The vertebral column is responsible for protecting the spinal cord.

It helps to make the body more rigid.

By distributing the body’s weight evenly, it provides structural support.

It serves as an attachment point for the pectoral and pelvic girdles, as well as for other muscles.

Appendicular Skeleton 

In the human skeletal system, the appendicular skeleton refers to the part of the skeleton that supports the appendages. 

It is made up of 186 bones, which include the bones of the limbs as well as the bones that support the pelvic and pectoral girdles of the body.

Each of the six regions of the appendicular skeleton has a distinct function.

• girdle for the shoulders
• The forearms and the arms
• Hands
• Pelvis
• Thighs and legs
• Feet and ankles 
• Girdle for the Shoulders

The shoulder girdle, also known as the pectoral girdle, is a group of four bones that attach to the arm on either side.

 The pectoral girdle  skeleton responsible for supporting the upper limbs of the body. 

Arms and forearms are two of the most important parts of the body.

The forearm and arm are made up of six bones, as is the arm. 

Pelvic Girdle 

The pelvic girdle is a bony structure that runs along the lower part of the trunk. 

It is a bony structure that resembles a ring. The sacrum and the coccyx are the two bones that make up the pelvic girdle.

 In humans, the pelvic girdle is made up of paired hip bones, each of which is composed of the ilium, ischium, and pubis.

The Pelvic Girdle Has a Variety of Functions

It is responsible for transferring the weight of the body from the axial skeleton to the appendicular components, which is particularly important during movement.

It allows for movement by providing attachment points for a variety of muscles and ligaments.

Thighs and Legs

They are a part of the appendicular skeletal system, which is responsible for supporting the muscles of the lower limbs, which includes the bones of the legs and thighs. Walking, running, standing, and jumping are all made easier with the help of these muscles. These bones must be able to withstand the weight of the body in order to function properly.

Legs, Feet, and Ankles

The foot serves as a stable platform for the body’s weight to be supported by. It is made up of a number of bones, including the tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges.

Tarsals

Tarsals are a group of eight irregular bones that are located proximally in the foot, near the ankle.

Metatarsals are a group of five bones, each of which corresponds to a single digit. These bones form a connection between the tarsals and the phalanges.

Phalanges: 

There are three phalanges on each toe, which are referred to as the proximal, intermediate, and distal.

Tendons

Tendons are connective tissues that connect bones to skeletal muscles. These tissues are composed of connective tissues.

Ligaments

Ligaments are the connective tissue that connects two bones. In addition, they are a type of connective tissue.

Cartilage

Cartilage protects the bones at the joints from wear and tear by acting as a shock absorber. They are firm, but they are also softer and more flexible than bones.

Many parts of the body, such as the ear, nose, ribs, bronchial tubes, and other structures, are supported by the skeleton.

The Skeletal System Is Affected By a Number of Diseases

Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a bone-related disease in which the bone density is reduced and increases the risk of bone fracture.

Paget’s Disease is a chronic bone disease that causes the bones that are affected to grow in size and become misshapen.

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that causes difficulty and pain when moving, as well as restricting the movement of the joints.

Conclusion

We would be unable to carry out our daily activities such as standing, sitting, and walking if we did not have a skeleton.

 It also has the additional benefit of protecting our body’s soft tissues and internal organs.

 The skull, for example, covers and protects the brain, which is extremely soft, and the ribs protect the lungs and heart, among other things.