Structure of Musculoskeletal System
Structure and Function of the Musculoskeletal System
- Bones, joints and muscles collectively form the musculoskeletal system providing the body with shape, support and the ability to move.
- Over 600 muscles and 206 bones are found in the human body, each with its own distinct role.
- Understanding the structure and functioning of the musculoskeletal system is vital in understanding movements performed in physical activity and sports. Exercises and training can be fine-tuned to promote skeletal health and muscular strength. This knowledge can also help in understanding sports injuries and their management.
The Role of Bones and Joints
- Bones provide a frame for the body, known as the skeleton. This framework supports and protects the body and it's organs.
- The main categories of bones are long bones such as the femur, short bones such as wrist bones, flat bones like the scapula and irregular bones like the vertebrae.
- Bones link together at the joints, which articulate movement. The different types of joints are classified on their range of motion - namely, immovable, slightly movable and freely movable joints.
- The freely movable, or synovial joints, are the most common in the body. They allow for most of the movement we associate with sports or physical activities.
The Role of Muscles in Movement and Balance
- Muscles, attached to bones via tendons, are contractile tissues that are responsible for movement. They are classified as voluntary (skeletal), involuntary (smooth) and cardiac.
- Voluntary or skeletal muscles are primarily responsible for movement in sport and physical activity. They can further be divided into fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscles, each designed for certain types of activities.
- The contraction of muscles leads to movement. There are three types: Concentric, where muscle shortens; Eccentric, where muscle lengthens; and Isometric, where there's no change in length.
- The musculoskeletal system just doesn't provide movement. It also plays a critical role in maintaining posture and body balance. Even in static positions, certain muscles engage to maintain body's balance and stability.