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An overview of the skeletal system, including its functions, main structures, and types of joints. It also discusses cartilage, tendons, and bone marrow. The document emphasizes the importance of understanding the structure of the skeleton for understanding how it supports the body and works with other systems.
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Understanding the structure of the skeleton is essential for understanding how it supports the body and how it works in conjunction with other systems, such as the muscular and nervous systems, to facilitate movement and other functions.
The skeletal system is a structural framework which supports the body with bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, typically connective tissues that support the body and protect internal organs.
Its functions include providing structure, support, movement, and protection, as well as storing minerals and producing blood cells.
Main structures of the skeletal system:-
● Bones: Bones are the primary structure of the skeletal system and provide support and protection for the body's organs. They are composed of living tissues, including bone cells, minerals, and collagen fibers.
Bones come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each bone has a unique structure that is adapted to its specific function.
These are dynamic structures that are constantly being broken down and rebuilt through a process called remodeling {Will be discussed in 1.2 Guide}.
● Joints: In simple words Joints are the connections between bones and allow for movement. There are three main types of joints: fibrous joints, cartilaginous joints, and synovial joints.
The structure and function of joints vary depending on their location and the type of movement they allow.
● Cartilage: Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that is more flexible than bone. It covers the ends of bones and allows for smooth joint movement.
Cartilage is composed of chondrocytes (cartilage cells) and extracellular matrix. which contains collagen fibers and proteoglycans (a type of protein molecule).
Chondrocytes are the cells that produce and maintain the extracellular matrix of cartilage. The extracellular matrix is a complex mixture of proteins and carbohydrates that surrounds the chondrocytes and gives cartilage its structure and function.
There are three main types of cartilage:
1. Elastic cartilage Elastic cartilage is more flexible and is found in the external ear and the epiglottis. 2. Fibrocartilage Fibrocartilage is the strongest type of cartilage and is found in areas that undergo high stress, such as the intervertebral discs and the knee joint. 3. Hyaline cartilage Hyaline cartilage is the most common type of cartilage and is found in the nose, trachea, and larynx, as well as the joints.
Cartilage has a limited ability to repair itself because it lacks a blood supply. When cartilage is damaged, it can lead to conditions such as osteoarthritis, in which the cartilage breaks down and causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint.
Further detailed information about complete bone structure will be discussed in 1.4 Study guide
● Tendons: Tendons are tough cords of connective tissue that connect muscles to bones. They allow for movement by transmitting the force generated by muscles to the bones and composed of dense regular connective tissue, consisting primarily of collagen fibers.
Tendons are important for the function of the skeletal system because they transmit the force generated by muscles to the bones, allowing for movement and mobility. They also help to stabilize joints and provide support for the bones.
Damage to tendons can lead to pain, inflammation, and loss of function. Treatment for tendon injuries may include rest, physical therapy, medication, or in severe cases, surgery.
Further detailed information about complete bone structure will be discussed in 1.6 Study guide
● Bone Marrow: Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue found inside bones that produces blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
There are two main types of bone marrow:
