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Unit 5-p3 the skeletal system
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Unit 5-p3 the skeletal system
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The skeletal systemThe human skeletal system consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons and accounts for
about 20% of the body weight. The living bones in our bodies use oxygen to give off waste products
in metabolism. They contain active tissues that consume nutrients, require a blood supply and
change shape or remodel in the response of mechanical stress. For example, when we break or
fracture a bone the bone changes shape because of the damage-causing pain and stress on our
bones. Bones have many functions but importantly they, provide a ridged framework, known as the
skeleton, that supports soft organs of the body. The skeleton supports the body against the pull of
gravity, for example, the larger bones of the lower limbs support the trunk when standing. Bones
also work together with muscles as mechanical lever systems to produce movement, finally, the
skeleton also protects soft parts of the body creating structures such as the vertebrae that surrounds
and protects the spinal cord, bones and rib cage.
The main function in summary
The major functions of the skeletal system are body support, facilitation of movement, protection of
internal organs, storage or minerals and fat and blood cell formation.
The main components of the skeletal system
The skeletal system is made up of over 200 bones, however I will just explain a few including the
cranium, the ribs, the scapula, the radius, the carpel bones, phalanges, the femur, the tibia, the
metatarsals, the coccyx, and the pelvis.
Cranium
The cranium is a skeletal structure which is also known as the skull. The cranium supports the face
and protects the brain. The skull is composed of two parts the cranium and the mandible, the
cranium makes up the skull, whereas the mandible makes up the majority of the lower jaw and
mouth. What is the craniums function? The craniums primary function is providing structure and
protection to your head and face while also protecting your brain.
Ribs
The ribs are another major component of the skeletal system located in line with our shoulders. The
ribs are described as a protective casing for the thorax and organs including the heart. Our ribs make
up the rib cage, with human rib cages including 24 ribs in 12 pairs. With the lungs taking up a big part
of our upper body what is their actual function? The rib cage serves the main function of protecting
the lungs, heart, and other internal organs of the thorax.
Scapula
The next component of the skeletal system I will explain is the scapula. The scapula’s also known as
the shoulder blades are situated on the upper back between the levels of the second and eighth ribs.
The scapula serves as the attachment site and a joining force between the clavicle and humerus.
Furthermore, the scapula also plays a crucial role in stabilising the bones involved with the rhythm of
the shoulder motion.
Radius
The next bone I will be explaining is the radius, one of the two large bones of the forearm. The radius
lies parallel to the ulna the second-long forearm bone. With a radius being an important part of the
skeletal system, what is its function, what does it do? The radius allows movement of the arms and
provides the full range of motion of the hand and wrist. In summary, the radius allows arm
movement and the full range of motion of the hand and wrist.
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