Skeletal System

The skeleton is the central structure of the body and is made up of bones, joints and cartilage. The skeleton provides the framework for muscles and gives the body its defined human shape.

The skeleton has six main functions:

1. Movement – the skeleton allows movement of individual parts or the body and as a whole. The bones act as levers and also form joints that allow muscles to pull on them and produce movement.

2. Support – the skeleton keeps the body upright and provides a framework for muscle and tissue attachment.

3. Protection – the bones of the skeleton protect the internal organs and reduce the risk of injury on impact. For example; the cranium protects the brain, the ribs offer protection to the heart and lungs, the vertebrae protect the spinal cord; and the pelvis offers protection to the sensitive reproductive organs.

4. Production of blood cells – certain bones in the skeleton contain red bone marrow. The the bone marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Examples of bones that contain marrow are the pelvis, sternum, vertebrae and clavicle.

5. Mineral storage – the bones themselves are made of minerals and act as a mineral store for calcium and phosphorous. These minerals can be given up if the body requires them for other functions. For example, in pregnancy.

6. Structural shape – the skeleton provides the human shape and determines the height of a person.

Did you know........

Did you know.....

Bone marrow is usually taken from your pelvis.

Synovial joints

A joint is a place where two or more bones meet and is also called an articulation.

The role of joints and connective tissue are as follows:

· Connective tissues consist of ligaments, cartilage and tendons.

· A joint is held together by ligaments which give the joints their stability.

· Cartilage is found at the ends of bones and where joints meet.

· Tendons attach muscles to the skeleton.

. Ligaments attach bones to bones.