The Skeletal System

Bryce Tappan

Function of the Skeletal System

The skeleton provides structural support to the body; it provides a place for muscles to attach. It also acts as a protector for internal organs. Because many bones and muscles are dependent on one other, bones are necessary for proper movement. Bones also store nutrients and energy that are released into the blood when necessary. The primary role of bone marrow is to produce blood cells.

http://www.ivy-rose.co.uk/HumanBody/Skeletal/Skeletal_System.php

Ligaments

Ligaments are tissues made of collagen that connect bones together, and are crucial for movement. The point of connection is called a joint. Ligaments stretch allowing for movement and return to their original position and shape when the movement has been completed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ligament

Muscles

The function of muscles is to create motion and force. There are different types of muscles: skeletal, smooth and cardiac. Skeletal muscles are joined to bones by tendons and together they give the skeleton the ability to move.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscles

Tendons

Tendons are tissues made of collagen that connect muscles to bones. They have elastic properties and can stretch and flex to allow motion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tendon

Hydrostatic Skeletons

Hydrostatic skeletons are skeletons made up of fluids that are under pressure within the body cavities of an organism. Changes in pressure of the hydrostatic skeleton alter the shape of the organism and allow for movement.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrostatic_skeleton

Endoskeleton

The purpose of the endoskeleton of animals is for structural support and to provide a place that muscles can connect to. It is made of mineralized tissue and exists within the body tissues. The endoskeleton is made of cartilage and bone.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endoskeleton

Exoskeleton

An exoskeleton exists on the outside part of the body of an organism and serves as protection and support. Like endoskeletons, exoskeletons also provide a structure for muscles to attach to, and they are composed of chitin. They also play a role in excretion, sensing things, and preventing desiccation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exoskeleton

Disorders of the Skeletal System

Osteoarthritisa) Inflammation of the joints caused by wearing of cartilage

that protects jointsb) Discomfort and pain while walking, carrying weights, and

other movementsc) Arthritis is extremely common, especially among the

elderly, and osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of all

d) There is no known cure for arthritis, but the it can be treated through pain medication and physical therapy.

http://arthritis-symptom.com/

Disorders of the Skeletal System

Bone Cancera) Bone cancer occurs when a malignant tumor within the

bone kills normal tissue. If metastatic, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body from the bone.

b) Sharp pains and swelling in and near bones is a sign of bone cancer.

c) Bone tumors can be treated by removing them through surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy

d) Bone cancer is a rare type of cancer, comprising less than 1% of all cases of cancer.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/bone