Skeletal System

Your Body’s Framework Tall building being constructed. Skeletal System = A body system made up of bones, joints, and connective tissue. Does more than just help you stand up. Walk, run, jump, bend, lift, carry, etc. (along with your muscles).

Functions of Your Skeletal System 206 total bones make up your skeleton Number of important functions Strong, stable framework for movement Supports and protects delicate internal organs Function as storage centers for minerals Produce the body’s blood cells Red bone marrow makes millions of blood cells each day. Marrow = A soft tissue in the center of some bones.

Joints Joint = The point at which two bones meet Some joints do not move (bones of the skull) Some allow slight movement (vertebrae of the back) Some allow wide range of movement (mobile joints)

Mobile Joints Hinge Joints = Gliding Joints = These joints allow movement in one direction (knees and elbows) Gliding Joints = Help bones slide over one another without twisting (wrists and ankles, and connect bones below your neck , in the collarbone)

Mobile Joints (cont.) Pivot Joints = Ball-and-Socket Joints = These joints allow movement with limited rotation (A pivot joint is found between the neck and head) Ball-and-Socket Joints = These joints allow complete rotations, allowing bones to move in all directions (hips and shoulders)

Connective Tissues Cartilage = Tendons = A strong flexible, gel-like tissue that cushions your joints Helps reduce friction during movement (shoulders, elbows, and knees) Tendons = Tough bands of tissue that attach your muscles to bones (Achilles)

Connective Tissues (cont.) Ligaments = Cord-like tissues that connect the bones in each joint. Help hold bones in place.

Problems of the Skeletal System Injuries, infections, poor posture, and a lack of nutritious foods. Fracture = A break in a bone caused by an injury. Results in swelling and sometimes extreme pain. Dislocation = Occurs when a bone is pushed out of its joint, usually stretching or tearing a ligament (can cause extreme pain)

Problems of the Skeletal System Sprain = A stretching or twisting of ligaments in a joint, causing swelling. Overuse Injuries = Happen over time and make up about half of the sports injuries that occur in teens. Shin splints common among runners and aggressive walkers.

Problems of the Skeletal System Scoliosis = A disorder in which the spine curves to one side of the body. Appears to have a slight S- or C-shaped curve. Usually painless, but can cause back pain and difficulty breathing. Most cases, cause is not known.

Problems of the Skeletal System Osteoporosis = A condition characterized by brittle and porous bones. Develops because of long-term deficiencies of calcium and certain hormones, insufficient vitamin D, and lack of exercise.

Caring for Your Skeletal System Adding bone mass can only happen when you are growing (now is the time to build healthy bones) Starts with good nutrition Calcium (low-fat and fat-free dairy products) Regular physical activity (walking and jogging) Good posture (keeps spine healthy) If injured, take the time to heal properly