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Overview of the Skeletal System

The skeletal system is the framework of bones and cartilage that supports and protects the body, enabling movement and storing minerals. It consists of various types of bones and is divided into the axial and appendicular skeletons. Common bone disorders include fractures, osteoporosis, and arthritis, with adults having 206 bones in total.

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9 views2 pages

Overview of the Skeletal System

The skeletal system is the framework of bones and cartilage that supports and protects the body, enabling movement and storing minerals. It consists of various types of bones and is divided into the axial and appendicular skeletons. Common bone disorders include fractures, osteoporosis, and arthritis, with adults having 206 bones in total.

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hutchinsonnickoy
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© All Rights Reserved
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Skeletal System – Study Notes

1. Definition
The skeletal system is the framework of bones and cartilage that supports, protects, and
gives shape to the body.

2. Major Functions
 Support – Provides structure and shape to the body.
 Protection – Protects vital organs (e.g., skull protects brain, ribs protect heart and
lungs).
 Movement – Acts with muscles to produce movement.
 Mineral Storage – Stores calcium and phosphorus.
 Blood Cell Production (Hematopoiesis) – Bone marrow produces red and white blood
cells.
 Energy Storage – Yellow marrow stores fat.

3. Composition of the Skeletal System


 Bones – Hard structures that form the framework.
 Cartilage – Flexible connective tissue found in joints, nose, and ears.
 Ligaments – Tough connective tissue that connects bone to bone.
 Tendons – Connect muscles to bones (part of muscular system but works closely).

4. Types of Bones (by shape)


Type Example Function

Long Bones Femur, humerus Support weight and


movement

Short Bones Carpals, tarsals Provide stability and some


movement

Flat Bones Skull, ribs, scapula Protect organs

Irregular Bones Vertebrae, pelvis Various complex functions

Sesamoid Bones Patella Protect tendons from stress

5. Divisions of the Human Skeleton


1. Axial Skeleton (80 bones): Skull, vertebral column, rib cage, sternum – supports and
protects vital organs.

2. Appendicular Skeleton (126 bones): Limbs and girdles – enables movement.


6. Structure of a Long Bone
 Diaphysis – Shaft of the bone (compact bone).
 Epiphysis – Ends of the bone (spongy bone).
 Periosteum – Outer covering for protection and growth.
 Medullary Cavity – Contains yellow marrow (fat).
 Red Marrow – Produces blood cells.

7. Types of Joints
Type Movement Example

Fixed (Immovable) None Skull sutures

Slightly Movable Limited Vertebrae

Freely Movable (Synovial) Wide range Shoulder, knee, hip

Synovial joint types include: Ball and socket (shoulder, hip), Hinge (elbow, knee), Pivot
(neck), Gliding (wrist), Saddle (thumb).

8. Common Bone Disorders


 Fracture – Break in a bone.
 Osteoporosis – Weak, brittle bones due to calcium loss.
 Arthritis – Inflammation of joints.
 Rickets – Soft bones due to vitamin D deficiency.

9. Number of Bones
Adult human body: 206 bones

At birth: ~270 bones (some fuse during growth)

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