Skeletal system
Skeletal System Overview
- The skeletal system is made up of bones, ligaments and cartilage, carrying out essential functions for the human body.
- This system plays a major role in supporting the body, protecting internal organs, producing blood cells, storing minerals and enabling movement.
Bones
- The human skeleton is composed of 206 bones, differentiated into the axial and appendicular skeleton.
- The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebrae, sternum, and rib cage, providing fundamental support and protection.
- The appendicular skeleton supports movement and includes the bones of the shoulders, arms, hips, and legs.
- Bones are categorised into long bones (e.g., femur and humerus), short bones (e.g., wrist bones), flat bones (e.g., sternum), and irregular bones (e.g., vertebrae).
- Inside bones is the bone marrow which is responsible for the production of red and white blood cells.
Bone Structure
- Bones consist of hard outer layer called compact bone, and a softer inner portion known as the spongy bone.
- Compact bone provides rigidity, strength and is resistant to bending.
- Spongy bone is lightweight but strong, providing internal support and enhancing a bone's resilience.
- The periosteum is a protective outer surface membrane of the bone, providing nutrition and producing new bone cells.
Joints
- A joint is where two or more bones meet, facilitating movement and providing mechanical support.
- Joints are classified into three types: fibrous joints (immovable), cartilaginous joints (partially moveable), and synovial joints (freely moveable).
- Synovial joints are the most common in the body, permitting a wide range of movements. They include ball-and-socket joints, such as the shoulder and hip joints, and hinge joints, like the elbow and knee.
Skeletal Muscles
- Skeletal muscles are attached to bones via tendons, and their contractions result in body movement.
- They operate under voluntary control and form an integral part of the musculoskeletal system.
Skeletal System in Sports
- The skeletal system plays a vital role in sports by providing the physical framework, strength and mobility required for athletic activities.
- Sports can affect bone health. Weight-bearing activities, for example, can improve bone density, while sports injuries can negatively impact the skeletal system.
- Understanding skeletal anatomy and physiology allows for improved sport performance, safer training strategies, and better injury prevention.