Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development BTEC

Skeletal system

The Functions of the Skeletal System

• Provides support for the body, giving it its shape and form
• Offers protection for vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs
• Assists in body movement in conjunction with muscles
• Generates red and white blood cells in the bone marrow
• Acts as a storage area for minerals, especially calcium and phosphate

The Structure and Types of Bones

• The human body has 206 bones which are classified into four major types: long, short, flat, and irregular
• Long bones, such as the femur and humerus, support weight and facilitate movement
• Short bones, like those in the wrist and ankle, provide support and stability with little to no movement
• Flat bones, like the scapula and skull, provide protection to internal organs
• Irregular bones, such as the vertebrae and mandible, protect internal organs and support weight

The Composition of Bones

• Composed largely of collagen, a protein that provides a soft framework, and calcium phosphate, a mineral that adds strength and hardens the framework
• The combination of collagen and calcium phosphate makes bone both flexible and strong to withstand stress
• Contains living tissues such as bone cells, fat cells, and blood vessels

Joints of the Skeletal System

• Joints are where two or more bones meet, facilitating movement and providing mechanical support
• Fibrous joints are immovable, such as the sutures in the skull
• Cartilaginous joints allow limited movement, an example being the spine
• Synovial joints are freely movable and are the most common type of joint in the body. They include hinge joints (e.g., elbow, knee), ball-and-socket joints (e.g., shoulder, hip), and pivot joints (e.g., neck)

Effect of Activity on the Skeletal System

• Regular exercise increases bone density and reduces risk of osteoporosis
• High-impact weight-bearing exercises stimulate the growth and strengthening of the bone matrix
• Regular activity also improves joint flexibility and range of motion
• Excessive or incorrect exercise can lead to injuries, including stress fractures and strained muscles

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break
• Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint
• Fractures involve a break or a crack in a bone
• Strains and Sprains are injuries that involve the stretching or tearing of ligaments or tendons