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Skeletal System Notes

The human skeletal system is a framework of bones, cartilage, and joints that shapes the body, protects organs, stores minerals, and enables movement, consisting of 206 bones in adults and 270 in infants. It includes four types of bones (long, short, flat, irregular) and has five main functions: movement, support and protection, blood cell production, mineral storage, and muscle attachment. The vertebral column is divided into five sections with a total of 33 vertebrae, highlighting the complexity and importance of the skeletal system.

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134 views3 pages

Skeletal System Notes

The human skeletal system is a framework of bones, cartilage, and joints that shapes the body, protects organs, stores minerals, and enables movement, consisting of 206 bones in adults and 270 in infants. It includes four types of bones (long, short, flat, irregular) and has five main functions: movement, support and protection, blood cell production, mineral storage, and muscle attachment. The vertebral column is divided into five sections with a total of 33 vertebrae, highlighting the complexity and importance of the skeletal system.

Uploaded by

Murali Krishna Nata
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Human Skeletal System

The human skeletal system is a remarkable framework of bones, cartilage,


and joints that gives shape to our bodies, protects vital organs, stores essential
minerals, and enables movement. While an adult typically has 206 bones, infants are
born with about 270 bones that fuse over time. In this comprehensive guide, we will
explore the skeleton system in simple terms, understand the skeletal system parts,
learn about each skeletal system function, and discover what makes our bones so
important for overall health.

Overview of the Skeleton System


The term “skeleton system” refers to the rigid structure within our bodies that
includes every bone and the connective tissues that hold them together. This system
ensures that our body maintains its shape, supports soft tissues, and provides
attachment points for muscles to facilitate movement.
To better understand its organisation, scientists often refer to a human skeleton
diagram or a skeletal system diagram. These diagrams visually represent the
arrangement of bones and their joints, making it easier for learners of all ages to
recognise how each bone contributes to the body’s overall functionality.

The skeleton - the central structure of the body that defines us as human beings-
made up of - Bones, Joints ,Cartilage.

Vertebral column

5 sections - each with a specific number of vertebrae


There are 33 vertebrae in total
●​ Upper 24 are articulating and separated from each other
●​ 7 cervical vertebrae
●​ 12 thoracic vertebrae
●​ 5 lumbar vertebrae

The lower 9 vertebrae are fused


●​ The sacrum consists of 5 fused vertebrae
●​ The coccyx is made up of 4 fused vertebrae

The skeleton is made up of four types of bones:

Long:​Femur​- cylinder shape found in the limbs = lever (main job)


Short:​Carpals- small, compact, often = in length and width = strength and weight
bearing
Flat: flat surface to protect the internal organs
Irregular: vertebrae complex individual shops: protection and muscle attachment
The skeleton has five main functions:

1.​ Movement – the skeleton allows movement of the body as a whole and
its individual parts. The bones act as levers and also form joints that
allow muscles to pull on them and produce joint movements.
2.​ Support and protection – the bones of the skeleton provide support for
the body and also protect the organs found within it. For example, the
cranium protects the brain, the ribs offer protection to the heart and
lungs, the vertebrae protect the spinal cord and the pelvis offers
protection to the sensitive reproductive organs.
3.​ Production of blood cells – certain bones in the skeleton contain red
bone marrow and the bone marrow produces red blood cells, white blood
cells and platelets. Examples of bones that contain marrow are the
pelvis, sternum, vertebrae and clavicle.
4.​ Storage of minerals – the bones themselves are made of minerals and
act as a mineral store for calcium and phosphorus, which can be given
up if the body requires the minerals for other functions.
5.​ Attachment of muscles – the bones of the skeleton provide surfaces for
the attachment of muscles. This is why bones are often irregular shapes
and have bony points and grooves to provide attachment points.

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