The Skeletal System Essay, Research Paper

The Skeletal System

The skeletal system is consists of 206 bones of various shapes, sizes, and functions. Our skeleton consists of two sections. The axial skeleton is made up of the 80 bone of the skull, spine, ribs, and sternum, or breastbone. The appendicular skeleton is made up of the 126 bones of the shoulders, arms, hands, hips, legs, and feet. The insides of larger bones serve as storage centers for essential body minerals like calcium and phosphorus. The bones of the skeletal system are made hard and rigid to provide protection for the delicate internal organs.

This system also plays a crucial role in the movement of the human body by providing a strong, stable, and mobile framework on which the muscles can act. The muscles are held by the other members of the skeletal system called the ligaments and the tendons. The ligaments are tough bands of fibrous tissue that bind bone ends at the joint. Tendons are fibrous cords that join muscle to bone or muscle to other muscle. Although the skeletal system is strong, if not taken care of, it can be prone to various diseases.

The most common problem with the skeletal system is breakage. There are various breaks, such as a hairline, transverse, or comminuted. For each break there are still two ways for it to “look”. The break can be a simple, or “open” fracture, or it can be a compound fracture, which penetrates the skin. Although most common, the other disorder that takes a very close second is joint injuries.

Joint injuries are usually acquired through a pull, tear, or dislocation of the joint and or its cartilage. Some joint injuries are bunions, bursitis, or dislocation, mostly acquired by wearing high heels or while participating in sports or other physical activity. Although painful, these injuries can usually be cured in a short amount of time, but some of the bone diseases take many years to correct.

Some of the diseases that bones can suffer from are osteoporosis and scoliosis. Osteoporosis is a severe loss of bone mass that can occur from lack of exercise or from a lack of calcium and or phosphorus. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine which can be a birth defect or can be caused over time through bad sleeping positions or poor posture. Both these diseases can, for the most part, be prevented by taking a few simple steps.

Good nutrition is one of the many ways diseases can be prevented. Having milk or other dairy products with meals will provide the calcium and phosphorus your body needs to perform ossification. Exercise is another way to keep your bones healthy. exercise speeds up the heart rate, providing the bones with extra blood for nourishment. Following these simple steps and it will greatly increase your bone strength and rigidity.