Skeletal System

Skeletal System

The skeletal system is the body's framework. It supports the body, protects its vital organs, and enables it to do activities. The skeletal system is composed of 206 bones. Marrow forms the inside of bones and serves as an intricate microstructure fed by the blood (www.library.thinkquest.org). Bones also make red blood cells. The Skeletal System serves many important functions; it provides the shape and form for our bodies in addition to supporting, protecting, allowing bodily movement, producing blood for the body, and storing minerals.

Functions

Its 206 bones form a rigid framework to which the softer tissues and organs of the body are attached. Vital organs are protected by the skeletal system. The brain is protected by the surrounding skull as the heart and lungs are encased by the sternum and rib cage (www.skeletalsystem.net).

Bodily movement is carried out by the interaction of the muscular and skeletal systems. For this reason, they are often grouped together as the musculo-skeletal system. Muscles are connected to bones by tendons. Bones are connected to each other by ligaments. Where bones meet one another is typically called a joint. Muscles which cause movement of a joint are connected to two different bones and contract to pull them together. An example would be the contraction of the biceps and a relaxation of the triceps (www.mnsu.edu). This produces a bend at the elbow. The contraction of the triceps and relaxation of the biceps produces the effect of straightening the arm.

Blood cells are produced by the marrow located in some bones. Averages of 2.6 million red blood cells are produced each second by the bone marrow to replace those worn out and destroyed by the liver. Bones serve as a storage area for minerals such as calcium and phosphorus (www.library.thinkquest.org). When an excess is present in the blood, buildup will occur within the bones. When the supply of these minerals within the blood is low, it will be withdrawn from the bones to replenish the supply.

Skeleton

Two things about the human skeleton set it off from most or all other skeletons: it is built erect, as opposed to walking on four legs, and the hand has an opposable thumb. The skeleton, made up of 206 bones in adulthood, is what gives us the shape we have, and the power to move (www.skeletalsystem.net). The skeleton is divided into two groups: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton, each ...