All of the bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments in the human body make up the skeletal system. The skeleton accounts for roughly 20% of a person’s overall weight.
The skeleton of an adult has 206 bones. Because some bones, such as those in the skull, fuse together as children get older, their skeletons actually contain more bones. The male and female skeletons also differ in various ways. The skeletal system can be divided into two components, the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton, regardless of age or gender.
Skeletal System
The core framework of your body is the skeletal system. Bones and connective tissue, such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, make up the structure. The musculoskeletal system is another name for it.
The axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton are the two parts of the human skeleton. The skull, spine, and ribcage are all part of the axial skeleton, which is constructed around the body’s central axis.
The brain, spinal cord, heart, lungs, esophagus, and main sense organs such as the eyes, ears, nose, and tongue are all protected by it. The bones of the arms and legs, as well as the arm and hip girdles, make up the appendicular skeleton, which is connected to the limbs.
Function of the Skeletal System
Allows Movement
Your skeleton helps you stand and move by supporting your body weight. Your body’s joints, connective tissue, and muscles all work together to keep your joints mobile.
Produce blood Cells
Bone marrow is found in bones. The bone marrow is where red and white blood cells are made.
Protects and Supports Organs
Your brain is protected by your skull, your heart and lungs are protected by your ribs, and your spine is protected by your backbone.
Stores Mineral
Minerals such as calcium and vitamin D are stored in your bones.
Factors Affect the Skeletal System
Fractures
A broken bone is another term for a fracture. Fractures are most commonly caused by trauma or injury, such as a vehicle accident or a fall. Fractures come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they’re all classified by the form and location of the break.
Metabolic bone diseases
A category of illnesses known as metabolic bone diseases damage bone strength and integrity. They can be caused by a lack of vitamin D, loss of bone mass, or the use of certain drugs like steroids or chemotherapy.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition in which the joints become inflamed. This might result in pain and a restricted range of motion. Arthritis can be caused by a number of factors, including the breakdown of cartilage in joints, autoimmune diseases, or infection.
Parts of the Skeletal System
The skeletal system is a complex system of interconnected elements that help you move. Your bones, which are hard elements that form your body’s framework — the skeleton — are the most important aspect of your skeletal system. A mature human skeleton contains 206 bones. Each bone is made up of three layers:
Periosteum
The periosteum is a strong membrane that surrounds and protects the bone’s surface.
Compact bone
Compact bone is white, firm, and smooth underneath the periosteum. It protects and supports the structural integrity of the building.
Spongy bone
Spongy bone has a softer core and inner layer than dense bone. To store marrow, it has small holes called pores.
The other Components of Skeletal System are
Cartilage
This smooth, flexible substance covers the points where your bones meet. It allows bones to move freely without causing friction (rubbing against each other). It can be painful and create movement issues when cartilage goes away, as it does in arthritis.
Joints
A joint is the point where two or more bones in the body meet. There are three main types of joints. The following are the different types of joints:
Immovable System
Immovable joints, such as the joints between your skull bones, prevent the bones from moving at all.
Partly Movable Joints
These joints have a limited range of motion. Your rib cage joints are partially moveable joints.
Movable joints
Joints that start moving provide for a wide range of motion. The joints of your elbow, shoulder, and knee are all movable.
Ligaments
Ligaments are strong bands of connective tissue that hold bones together.
Tendons
Tendons are tissue bands that connect from the end of a muscle to the bone.
Skeletal System Structure
The skeletal system is designed to offer support against gravity and to preserve the internal organs of an animal. While this article focuses on the human skeleton, most animals have a skeleton of some form.
Some organisms, such as sponges, have a skeleton composed entirely of calcium deposits within the animal. Others, like the turtle, have made significant changes to their skeletal system to provide further protection.
Conclusion
The skeleton of an adult has 206 bones. Because some bones, such as those in the skull, fuse together as children get older, their skeletons actually contain more bones. The male and female skeletons also differ in various ways.
The core framework of your body is the skeletal system. Bones and connective tissue, such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, make up the structure. The musculoskeletal system is another name for it. The skeletal system is a complex system of interconnected elements that help you move. Your bones, which are hard elements that form your body’s framework — the skeleton — are the most important aspect of your skeletal system.