The Skeletal system
The skeletal system contains 206 bones. However, babies are born with 270 soft bones, but these bones eventually fuse together by the time they turn about twenty to twenty-five years old into the 206 bones with are hard and also permanent. These bones also include, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage in order to make sure that everything is connected properly. Each and every bone is a very complex living organ made up of many cells, protein fibers, and minerals.
Functions of the skeletal system
1. Supports your body: The bones in your body provide the basic shape and structure for your body. The skeletal system is the framework of our bodies. Many other structures like our organs, muscles, and skin are organized around our bones.
2. Responsible for body movements: The bones help the body move in different ways and directions, but the bones can't move without help from the muscles.
3. Serves as protection: The skeletal system provides protection for our internal organs.
4. Involved in the production of blood cells: Inside some of our bones there is a cavity filled with Bone Marrow. In this tissue, new blood cells are produced and blood cells that are damaged are repaired. The Bone Marrow produces red and white blood cells.
5. Stores calcium and other minerals: The body needs minerals to carry out all of our bodily functions such as thinking, breathing,and moving. One of the major minerals that the body needs is calcium, which is a major part of the bone. The storage of this very important mineral is in the skeletal system. If you don't consume enough calcium throughout the day, the body will take calcium from your bones, and the weaker you will become.
6. Involved in endocrine regulation: The skeletal system also plays a role in endocrine regulation.
2. Responsible for body movements: The bones help the body move in different ways and directions, but the bones can't move without help from the muscles.
3. Serves as protection: The skeletal system provides protection for our internal organs.
4. Involved in the production of blood cells: Inside some of our bones there is a cavity filled with Bone Marrow. In this tissue, new blood cells are produced and blood cells that are damaged are repaired. The Bone Marrow produces red and white blood cells.
5. Stores calcium and other minerals: The body needs minerals to carry out all of our bodily functions such as thinking, breathing,and moving. One of the major minerals that the body needs is calcium, which is a major part of the bone. The storage of this very important mineral is in the skeletal system. If you don't consume enough calcium throughout the day, the body will take calcium from your bones, and the weaker you will become.
6. Involved in endocrine regulation: The skeletal system also plays a role in endocrine regulation.
The parts of the bone
Periosteum- tough, outer part of bone which contains blood vessels.
Diaphysis- "shaft" or long middle part of bone between each epiphysis. Epiphysis- "head" at each end of long bone. Spongy Bone- lighter than compact bone but still strong. Compact Bone- dense, made of osteocytes Medullary Cavity- marrow cavity in diaphysis of bone |
The 4 classifications of bones
2 main parts of the skeletal system
1. The axial skeleton containing 80 bones that make up the axis of the skeleton.Some familiar bones that the axial skeleton contains are the skull, sternum, spine and ribs.
2. The appendicular skeleton containing 126 bones that attach appendages to the axial skeleton. Some familiar bones that the appendicular skeleton contains are the girdles and limbs (the shoulders and pelvis).
2. The appendicular skeleton containing 126 bones that attach appendages to the axial skeleton. Some familiar bones that the appendicular skeleton contains are the girdles and limbs (the shoulders and pelvis).
What is a joint?
Joints are places where two bones come together. There are many types of joints. One type is the fibrous joints which are immovable. The small bone plates that make up the skill are immovable in order to protect the brain, the bones are held together by a strong, thin layer of connective tissue. Your teeth are also held in the jawbone by fibrous joints. Another type is cartilaginous joints which are only partially movable. For example, the spine because the bones are linked together by ligaments and cartilage. What gives the spine its flexibility is the vertebrae that moves in relation to what is located above or below it. Next there are synovial joints which are the most common joint in your body. They are able to move freely. Some types of synovial joints are found in the shoulders, hips, elbows, wrists, ankles and knees. These joints are surrounded by fluid, called synovial fluid, that acts as a lubricant for the joints. Another type is called ball and socket joints which allow movement in any direction. This involves twisting, turning, and swinging your body parts such as your arms and legs. The shoulder and the hip have a rounded bone that fits into a cup-shaped socket which allows them to move this way. Another type is called hinge joints where the convex surface of one bone fits into the convex surface of a second bone, which ultimately allows for movement in one plane only. These joints are located in the elbow and the knee. There are also a type of joints called gliding joints (or plane joints) which are help in place by ligaments. This joint operates when the surfaces of two flat plates glide over one another. These joints are located in your wrists, feet, and ankles. Lastly, there are pivot joints, which allow for rotation around an axis. This takes place when one bone rotates around the end of another bone. Because of the pivot joint located in your neck, you have the ability to turn your head from side to side.