The Skeletal System

Functions of the Skeleton The skeletal system has five main functions: Support Protection Movement – with the help of tendons, ligaments, muscles Storage of minerals – calcium and phosphorous Red blood cell production – Red bone marrow

Types of Bones Long bones – long shaft with compact bone in the middle and spongy bone at either end (with red bone marrow) Function Major weight bearing bones e.g. femur

Short bones – chunky, compact bone Short bones – chunky, compact bone. Strong and reinforced by thickening of bone tissue Function: Allows variety of movement e.g. carpals and tarsals Note: The metacarpals and phalanges are long bones

Flat bones – two strong layers of compact bone joined by layer of spongy bone Function protection of internal organs e.g. sternum and ribs protect heart and lungs large area of muscle attachment e.g. scapula

Irregular Bones – made up of thin layer of compact bone containing a mass of spongy bone Reinforced where extra strength is needed E.g. vertebrae

Sesamoid Bones – where a bone is embedded within a tendon or muscle E Sesamoid Bones – where a bone is embedded within a tendon or muscle E.g. the patella is embedded within the quadriceps tendon

The Vertebral Column 7 Cervical (neck) 12 Thoracic (chest) 5 Lumbar (lower back) Sacrum (5 fused) Coccyx (4 fused)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/body/factfiles/bonegrowth/skeleton.shtml