1. Short & Long Term Effects of Exercise on The Skeletal System
Unit 2
The Physiology of Fitness

2. Short Term Effects Increased Range of Movement
Moving about more stimulates the synovial membrane on the inside of the joint capsule.
Synovial membrane secretes synovial fluid
Fluid becomes less viscous (thinner)
Joints become easier to move
Muscles are warmer and can stretch more

3. Long Term Effects Increase in Bone Calcium Stores
Exercise – stress on the bones – bones get stronger
Weight bearing exercise causes more minerals to be stored in your bones including calcium & collagen (protein – connective tissue)
Increased Stretch of Ligaments & Tendons
Ligs & tendons become stronger and more flexible
Muscles get stronger so tendons have to get stronger as well so they can cope with the extra pull
Ligs have to get stronger & more flexible so they can control the joints that the stronger muscles & tendons act on

4. Increased thickness of Hyaline Cartilage
Cartilage on the ends of bones becomes thicker to cope with the extra wear & tear and shock absorption from increase in activity
Increased Production of Synovial Fluid
Because the joints are being used more through exercise the synovial membrane produces more fluid to keep the joints lubricated