THE SKELETAL SYSTEM An Introduction

Functions  Support  Protection  Movement  Reservoir for minerals and adipose tissue  Blood cell formation

Classification  206 bones in body (adults)  Over 300 in infants  Axial skeleton vs. appendicular skeleton

Four Types of Bones  Long Bones  All bones of the limbs except the patella, carpals, and tarsals  Short Bones  Cube shaped  Bones of wrist & ankles  Sesamoid bones – develop in high stress areas (knee, palm, sole of foot)

Four Types of Bones  Flat Bones  Thin, flattened, usually curved  Scapula, sternum, ribs, most of skull  Irregular Bones  Oddly shaped bones that don’t fit in other categories  Vertebrae, pelvis, a few others