Anatomy of the Skeletal System Essay

According to Hudson (2006), all animals have a skeleton that enables them to stand upright as well as to protect their internal organs. He notes that the anatomy of skeletal system is essential in determining the structural and functional components of the body skeletal framework. Hudson (2006), on the other hand, points out that the skeletal system of most animals varies in their location. He notes that in some animals, such as the insects and squids, these structures are found outside their bodies and are normally termed as exoskeleton while in another group of animals it exists to the internal as a hard supporting structure known as the endoskeleton. He points out that skeletal system of human beings is made up of bones which not only offer them structural support but also support their internal body systems.

According to Hudson (2006), the anatomy of the skeletal system is primarily the study of its structure and functionality, especially that for human beings. He points out that anatomy is simply the structure of the body while physiology, on the other hand, entails the study of functions of the structure of the body.Anatomy of the Skeletal System Essay.  Therefore, the study of the skeletal system is essential for any student attending classes of anatomy or physiology. It not only assists them in the understanding of the structural components of human skeletal but can also enable the learners to initiate appropriate first aid treatment for the injury of the skeletal system. In addition, it also gives the students of these classes much understanding of the structure of the human skeletal system, how it functions and the related diseases, including their remedies.

Structure of the Human Skeletal System

As pointed out by Hudson (2006), bones form structural components of the human skeletal system and are essential for human body functionality. On the other hand, Landers (2008) noted that the human skeletal system comprises of 206 bones, which are either axial or appendicle in nature. He points out that the axial human skeleton includes the skull, backbone, and ribcages while the appendicular skeleton includes the limbs and the girdles. He notes that the axial skeleton components comprise of 80 bones with 26 bones forming the backbone skeletal structure that helps in supporting the upper body parts. According to Landers (2008), appendicular human skeleton forms the locomotive structural component that enhances stability for human beings when adjusting to unusual landscapes.

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Additionally, Landers (2008) noted that bones are formed by the depositing of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in the body in a process known as the ossification. He points out that these minerals forms 70% of the bone composition with 30% being contributed by organic matters, such as protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Even though calcium deposits help in the formation of the bones by strengthening the bones to make them tough and sturdy, the bones, on the other hand, store calcium and regulate its supply in the body, which is essential for other body functions (Landers, 2008). He notes that the growth of bones is categorized by stages since when human beings are born, their skeleton structure comprises of 300 bones, which then fuse together and form 206 bones for the adult human beings. These bones are essential for their body stability and functionality. Anatomy of the Skeletal System Essay.

How Skeletal System Works

Genden (2010) points out that the human skeletal system plays a vital role for the well-being of human beings. He notes that the human skeletal system helps in designing the human shape based on the structural development of the bones. According to him, while human beings develop different shapes when growing, the skeletal system dictates various factors associated with their body development, which include size of their body (whether tall or short), their muscular development, and the shape of the body. He points out that the skeletal system helps in supporting of the body by enforcing body structure thereby holding and securing the internal organs in their right positions. For instance, Lander (2008) points out that the skull normally holds the brain in the right position so as to enhance its functionality.

On the other hand, Genden (2010) points out that skeletal system helps in locomotive processes as it acts as the lever during movements. He notes that the skeletal bones are normally attached to each other by ligaments, which further connect to the tendons thereby attaching the muscles to the bones. He points out that the muscular contraction enables the bones to be pulled along thereby bringing two bones together. By this musculoskeletal system and depending on the shape of the skeletal system, human beings are able to move.

Moreover, Genden (2010) notes that the skeletal system helps in protecting vital organs by covering these organs with their hard bones. An example of the organs closely protected by the skeletal system is the central nervous system whose structures like the spinal cord are covered by the cranium bone. Furthermore, Genden (2010) notes that the skeletal system also helps in the storage of salts and minerals as well as in the production and storage of blood cells. He points out that red blood cells are essential for body operation as it helps in the transportation of oxygen throughout the body while the white blood cells help in the immune system. He also notes that the bone marrow that is found in bones helps in the production of blood cells. The red bone marrow specifically helps in the production of red blood cells while the yellow bone marrow helps in the storage of fat, which is transformed into red marrow during red blood cells deficiencies to aid in its production.

Skeletal System Diseases and How to Take Care of Skeletal System

According to Uddin (2011), there are various skeletal system diseases that normally affect people when proper skeletal care is not taken. These diseases include arthritis, bone cancer, leukemia, rickets, osteoporosis, and spinal bifida among others. He points out that these diseases are mostly associated with the underdevelopment of skeletal system. For instance, he indicates that arthritis is normally associated with the underdevelopment of bone joints, which normally results in joint pain thereby affecting an individual’s movement. Anatomy of the Skeletal System Essay.  Moreover, he points out that the underdevelopment of bones results in cancerous skeletal system diseases, such as the bone cancer and the leukemia. He notes that leukemia cancer normally develops from the bone marrow leading to the formation of abnormal and ineffective white blood cells thereby affecting the body’s immune system and thus making the body more vulnerable to diseases.

On the other hand, Uddin (2011) points out that the weakening of skeletal system leads to such diseases as the rickets and osteoporosis. He notes that these diseases are associated with the weakness of the bones resulting in the loss of bone tissue. According to him, bone tissues helps in bone remodeling processes that, in turn, aid in the development of stronger bones essential in the functioning of skeletal system. He points out that the loss of bone tissues in the body results in the underdevelopment of the bone thereby weakening and fracturing an individual’s wrist or spine. This can negatively affect the individual’s upright positioning.

According to Uddin (2011), there are various precautions and steps that can be engaged in avoiding these complications of the skeletal system while promoting the skeletal system functionality. He points out that people should take food with calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, and protein contents as it will help in the building bone masses. He also points out that people should engage in weight-bearing exercises, such as running, rock climbing, and dancing among others, which would keep the bones strong. Moreover, he notes that people should avoid bone injuries by wearing protective gears like, for example, helmets during their physical activities. He also points out that people should regularly visit doctors for check-up in ensuring that their skeletal system is properly developed and functioning.

However, Uddin (2011) notes that in cases where a person has bone injuries or fractures, it is important to locate and check the area during the first aid treatment. He points out that in case of bleeding, it should be controlled by putting direct and steady pressure using a cloth around the area while immobilizing the patient in order to avoid further movements.  He notes that immobilization involves the limiting of movements that could have otherwise led to damages before one secures doctor’s intervention. Anatomy of the Skeletal System Essay.

Conclusion

The write up, in highlighting anatomy of the skeletal system, has pointed out the important role that the skeletal system plays in ensuring effective body functionality and well-being. It has been noted that bone is an essential material for the human structural system and should be developed and maintained so as to enhance the functionality of the skeletal system. The paper has pointed out that the underdevelopment of skeletal system results in diseases which adversely affect the well-being of people and may even lead to death. Moreover, the paper has underlined the need not only to avoid practices that can results in bones fracturing but also the need to adopt first aid treatment which can help in addressing skeletal injuries.

Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Skeleton and Muscles

• Describe the structure and functions of bones
• Explain the relationship between the structure and function of the human skeleton
• In a short account explain skeletal and bone features which aid it carry out its roles. Remember to link structure and function for both.

Bone is an organ that is constantly remodelling, growing and repairing itself. Bone contributes to the homeostasis of the body providing support, protection, production of blood cells and the storage of nutrients, minerals, lipids and triglycerides. Bone is comprised of a mineral called calcium and consists of a number of tissues: bone or osseous tissue, nervous tissue, adipose tissue, epithelium, cartilage and dense connective tissues. Typical bone structure is the diaphysis (shaft), epiphysis (end), articular cartilage (connective tissue), periosteum (fibrous membrane) and marrow cavity (where bone marrow is stored).

Figure 1: Long bone structure diagram

There are two major types of bone. Trabecular bone gives supporting strength to the ends of weight-bearing bones and contains many tiny spaces that are filled with marrow. Cortical bone on the outside forms the shaft of the long bone. Each bone contains two types of osseous tissue. Compact bone is dense and solid and is always found on the surface of the bone. Spongy bone has porous structure, and is found in the interior of bones.

The function of bone is to:

• Give shape to our bodies
• Allow for movement alongside the muscular system
• Provide storage of minerals (primarily calcium)
• Provide fat storage (yellow bone marrow)
• Produce blood cells which help protect the body against infection.

The skeleton is the structural framework of bones which gives shape and support to the body. Anatomy of the Skeletal System Essay. Different bones are connected by joints to allow function and movement. The skeleton is comprised of two parts; the axial and appendicular skeleton. Bone is the major organ of the skeletal system and has a number of functions:

• Forms the rigid structure supporting the organism’s frame.
• Protects various internal organs such as the heart and lungs.
• Are the rigid elements of the locomotive system, providing support points for muscles allowing different parts of the body to move.
• Provide an important reserve of minerals such as calcium and phosphorous.
• Contain bone marrow (medulla) where blood cells are produced.

• Describe the classification of freely movable joints
• Examine and discuss the range of movement at different joints

Complete a table similar to the one below.

(250 words)

Word Count: TAQ 2 = 270

NB: I have not included a fused joint such as the suture in this table as the criteria asks for freely movable joints and this joint has no free movement.

• Analyse movements of joint actions during complex activities
• Analyse movements at specific joints
• Part 1 – Explain what joint and muscle movements are involved in running and how they are involved? (200 words)
• Part 2 – Explain what joint and muscle movements are involved at working at a computer in an office and how they are involved? (200 words) Anatomy of the Skeletal System Essay.

Part 1

Running involves the whole skeleton:

• The head and neck for stability and senses.
• Thoracic (abdominals) and arms (biceps) for propulsion and accessory respiratory muscle activation.
• The rib cage with the diaphragm for increased respiratory output.
• Pelvis for stability.
• Lower back for efficiency of lower limb function.

Movements that take place during running are due to the contraction of skeletal muscles pulling on bones which move at flexible pivot points, or joints. These contractions are:

• Isotonic concentric/eccentric contractions.
• Contractions within the slow/fast twitch muscle fibres.

Lower body – running involves the hip, knee and ankle joints. Each joint produces two actions, one when the leg is in contact with the ground (driving phase) and one when the leg is not in contact with the ground (recovery phase). Primary muscles used are:

Driving Phase

Recovery Phase

Part 2

When working at a computer deep stability/core muscles are used more than the abdominals. The head and neck facilitate stability and the senses and the respiratory muscles are vital. Joints around the shoulder and thoracic spine are crucial for allowing fine motor skills into the periphery.

Associated muscle movements are:

Spine/abdomen – When sitting the external obliques, erector spinae, rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis and internal obliques are used. The erector spinae muscles work to maintain the correct “hollow” in the lumbar spine. The iliopsoas muscles pull the torso forward to stop it falling backward.

Shoulder – The muscles of the shoulder bridge transitions from the torso into the head/neck area and the upper extremities of the arms and hands.

Hip – The anterior hip muscles are shortened and the hamstring muscles are inactive. This stops the hips from flexing during forward bending and forces the lower back to bend beyond its strong middle range. Anatomy of the Skeletal System Essay.

Knee – The popliteus muscle at the back of the leg unlocks the knee by rotating the femur on the tibia, allowing flexion of the knee (less so if feet are supported).

Elbow – The elbow permits movement along one plane, namely the flexion and extension of the forearm relative to the upper arm. The muscles provide both strength and flexibility to the arm.

Hand/wrist – More than 30 individual muscles in the hand and forearm work together to provide the hands with unsurpassed flexibility, precise control, and gripping strength. The muscles can be broken down into three main regions: the thenar, hypothenar and intermediate muscles.

• Describe the structure and functions of skeletal muscle

Skeletal muscles have complicated structures that allow them to move, what are these structures and how do they allow muscles to carry out their roles?

(300 words)

Skeletal muscle is attached directly or indirectly through tendons to bones, cartilages, ligaments or fascia. Skeletal muscles are striated and cylindrical fibres run in parallel the length of the muscle and contain many nuclei. Skeletal muscle is controlled by the nervous system and is voluntary because it can be made to contract or relax by conscious control. Generally an artery and one or two of the major veins accompany each nerve, penetrating each skeletal muscle and branching through connective tissue within the muscle.

Skeletal muscles have three major functions:

1. Work with the bones of the skeletal system to produce movement.
2. Provide stabilisation
3. Generate heat.

Movement – This is the muscles reaction to a nervous electrical impulse. The muscle can respond to a stimulus and is able to shorten powerfully. An electrical impulse, or action potential, is carried by a nerve cell to a muscle cell. Anatomy of the Skeletal System Essay. When the action potential reaches the end of the nerve cell, it is translated into a chemical signal and travels to a specified muscle cell. The muscle cell contracts, or shortens, in response to the signal it receives from the nerve cell. Skeletal muscle returns to its original shape after contracting or lengthening.

Stabilisation – Joints are made when bones meet. The ends that meet are covered in a smooth cartilage that reduces friction upon movement of the joint. Ligaments connect the joint together to attach bone to bone. Tendons connect bone to muscle and the tendons are held tight by the muscles. The muscles maintain a small amount of contraction, even when resting and this is necessary for holding joints together. Skeletal muscle is also important for maintaining posture. Our muscles make small adjustments all the time to keep us sitting or standing up straight.

Temperature – Skeletal muscle makes up about 40% of the body’s muscle mass. Skeletal muscle generates heat as a by-product of muscle activity and this heat is vital for maintaining your normal body temperature.

• Discuss muscle contraction in relation to movement
• Explore the relationship of antagonistic pairs

‘Movement requires muscles and all muscles have antagonistic pairs’. Using this as the title write a short account of how muscle contraction and antagonism is vital for the co-ordinated movement of an organism.

(200 words)

Muscles are made up of two major protein filaments: a thick filament composed of the protein myosin and a thin filament composed of the protein actin. Muscle contraction occurs when these filaments slide over one another in a series of repetitive events. The body needs energy for the contraction of muscles. This energy is obtained from the oxidation of food substances such as glucose in the mitochondria of the muscle tissue.

Usually muscles work in pairs, the agonist contracting and the antagonist working in opposition. This is called reciprocal inhibition. However the eccentric action of controlled lengthening can occur when using gravity and antagonistic co-contraction is not required. For example in the case of a drawbridge, the agonist is the lifting of the bridge, as the muscle contracts (shortens) concentrically the bridge pulls up. Eccentric action is the relaxing of the agonist and controlled lengthening, in this example the lowering of the drawbridge. This can be control either working against (using the antagonist muscle) or in this example lowering to gravity. Anatomy of the Skeletal System Essay.

Antagonistic muscles oppose contraction to create control and stability and make the smooth co-ordination of movement possible.

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PUBLICATIONS

Keith L. Moore, 1999. Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 4th Edition. 4th Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

René Fester Kratz, 2010. Biology for Dummies. 2nd Edition. For Dummies.

Sandra Reynolds Tortora Gerard J.; Grabo, 2002. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 10th Edition Edition. Wiley Publishing Inc.  Anatomy of the Skeletal System Essay.