The skeletal system’s functions can easily be observed just by studying a person. It’s not difficult to tell when a person’s skeletal system is functioning as it should, or when it’s injured or not functioning at its prime condition.
The skeletal system’s functions can easily be observed just by studying a person. It’s not difficult to tell when a person’s skeletal system is functioning as it should, or when it’s injured or not functioning at its prime condition.
The skeletal system is responsible for many important functions, such as supporting the weight and shape of the body. Think of your skeletal system as the scaffold that bears the weight of everything else. Without this support, you wouldn’t have much of a defined shape.
Also, the skeletal system aids in different body movements. Without bones, your muscles would not have a point of attachment, which would significantly hinder mobility. Some bones even act as a force (like a lever or joint) in order to produce movement. Without this force, there can’t be any movement.
Finally, the skeletal system protects various vital body parts. Consider your lungs, heart, brain, and spinal cord. Your ribs protect your heart and lungs. Your backbones or vertebral column protect your spinal cord. Your brain is protected by your skull or cranium.
Resources and References
OpenStax. (2013, March 06). Functions of the Skeletal System. Retrieved from: https://opentextbc.ca/anatomyandphysiology/chapter/6-1-the-functions-of-the-skeletal-system/ (Links to an external site.)
Question
Why is the skeletal system crucial to a person’s health?
It helps regulate metabolism
It provides a drug metabolism enzyme
It helps regulate sleep
It protects organs such as the brain and heart.
Question 2
Background
Bones form over a template, with the most common type being a cartilage template. As a fetus begins to grow, a flexible matrix framework forms, which will dictate where bones will develop in place of the template. In their earliest state, bones are a mineral matrix. During bone development, the mineral matrix covers the cartilage template. At the time of birth, bones have replaced the majority of the cartilage template.
The process by which bones form is called ossification, and there are two types—intramembranous and endochondral. Intramembranous ossification is the process that creates the majority of the flat bones in the face and the cranium, as well as the collarbones or clavicles. Intramembranous ossification continues after birth into childhood because at the time of birth, the skull and clavicles are not fully ossified, and the skull’s sutures are not fully closed. This helps the fetus make its way through the birthing canal, as the skeleton can deform during birth. At the end of adolescence, the bones have fully ossified.
Endochondral ossification is the process that forms the bones at the base of the skull and the long bones in the face. In this process, bones replace the cartilage template. About 6-8 weeks into fetal development, cartilage cells form, which precedes bone development. Next, the perichondrium, which is a membrane that covers the cartilage, forms. The chondrocytes die and disintegrate once nutrients can no longer reach them due to their enlarged, calcified state, which leaves empty spaces. Then, blood vessels fill them, which enlarges the spaces and brings in soon-to-be osteoblasts. The enlarged spaces will eventually combine to become the medullary cavity, otherwise known as the cavity that stores red and/or yellow bone marrow. As the cartilage continues to grow, the connective tissue that produces bones begins to form. The primary ossification center—the region that is responsible for the majority of the ossification process—forms around 2-3 months into fetal life. The length of the bones increases as cartilage continues to expand on either end. The process carries on after birth—the mineralization of the bone matrix, the death of chondrocytes, the invasion of blood vessels, and the arrival of soon-to-be osteoblasts continues in the end parts of long bones. This is referred to as a secondary ossification center and aids in further bone development.
Resources and References
OpenStax. (2013, March 06). Bone Formation and Development. Retrieved from: https://opentextbc.ca/anatomyandphysiology/chapter/6-4-bone-formation-and-development/ (Links to an external site.)
Question
At what stage of fetal development have bones replaced the majority of the cartilage template?
By the end of adolescence
2-3 months into fetal life
6-8 weeks into fetal development
The time of birth
Question 3
Background
Even though bones do not necessarily need to be set to heal properly after a fracture, properly setting the bone—either surgically through open reduction or non-surgically through closed reduction—ensures that the bone will heal naturally, reducing the risk of complications.
When a fracture occurs, blood vessels near the fracture are often damaged, forming blood clots. This, in turn, hinders blood flow, and bone cells near the fracture begin to die. About 48 hours after the fracture, an internal callus is formed on either end of the break, and an external callus is formed on the outside of the break, which stabilizes the fracture. This usually lasts about a week. Eventually, over the course of several weeks, osteoclasts break down the dead bone cells. Then, endochondral ossification begins, and new bone develops. At the end of the healing process, compact bone replaces spongy bone outside the fracture after the internal and external calli join together, which is sometimes referred to as remodeling. There might be visible swelling even after healing is complete, but, usually, there is no visible trace of the fracture.
Keep in mind that no two bone injuries will heal the same. Many factors affect the rate of healing, such as your biological make-up or the severity of the injury.
Resources and References
OpenStax. (2013, March 06). Fractures: Bone Repair. Retrieved from: https://opentextbc.ca/anatomyandphysiology/chapter/6-5-fractures-bone-repair/ (Links to an external site.)
Question
Select the factor that determines how long the healing process will be for a fractured bone.
Biological make-up
Material of the cast
The type of fracture
Fracture location
Question 4
Background
The human skeleton is divided into two groups—the axial skeleton, which has 80 bones, and the appendicular skeleton, which has 126 bones—bringing the total number of bones in the adult skeleton to 206.
The axial skeleton is vertical and runs up and down your body. Its primary purpose is to protect vital organs. For example, the skull protects the brain, and the ribs and sternum in the thoracic cage protect the heart and lungs. Bones in the axial skeleton also include the vertebral column, which is the U-shaped bone in the neck between the chin and larynx and protects the spinal cord and the hyoid.
The appendicular skeleton is made up of limbs that are connected to the axial skeleton. Its primary purpose is to aid in the body’s movement, but it also protects organs in the digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems. Bones in the appendicular skeleton include the clavicle and scapula in the shoulders; bones in the hands, arms, feet, and legs; and hip bones.
Resources and References
Bailey, R. (2019, March 06). The Incredible Skeletal System: The Support System of the Body. Retrieved from: https://www.thoughtco.com/skeletal-system-373584 (Links to an external site.)
Question
What is one of the functions of the appendicular skeleton?
Protect the spinal cord
Protect organs in the reproductive system
Protect the heart and lungs with the thoracic cage
Protect the brain
Question 5
Background
When it comes to classifying bones, there are four major types—long, short, flat, and irregular. Bones fall into these different categories based on their shape and size.
Long: Bones that are bigger in length than width fall into the “long” category, and examples include bones in the thighs, arms, legs, and fingers. Just because a bone is classified as long bone doesn’t mean its length is necessarily long—rather, the term long refers to the bone’s shape, not its overall size. The main purpose of long bones is to operate as levers. When muscles contract, long bones respond in movement.
Short: Bones that are close in length and width and appear similar to the shape of a cube fall into the “short” category. The only short bones in the human skeleton are found in the ankle and wrists. The main purpose of these bones is to offer support and a limited range of motion.
Flat: Bones that are thin, flat, and usually curved fall into the “flat” category. These are found in the cranium, ribs, sternum, and pelvis. The purpose of flat bones is to operate as a point where muscles can attach to the bone.
Irregular: Bones that are unusual in shape and do not fall under the categories of long, short, or flat fall into the “irregular” category. These bones include the bones in the hips, face, and the back bones in the vertebrae.
Resources and References
Bailey, R. (2019, March 06). The Incredible Skeletal System: The Support System of the Body. Retrieved from: https://www.thoughtco.com/skeletal-system-373584
OpenStax. (2013, March 06). Bone Classification. Retrieved from: https://opentextbc.ca/anatomyandphysiology/chapter/6-3-bone-classification/ (Links to an external site.)
Question
Select the bone classification that best matches the description below.
These bones function as levers and move when muscles contract. Additionally, the classification name refers to the overall shape of the bone, not the overall size.
Irregular
Flat
Short
Long
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