Essay on the Skeletal System of the Human Body

In this essay, I will demonstrate my understanding of the anatomical organization and functions of the skeletal system, including the main bone types connective tissues, joints, and protective structures. I will also explain the biomechanics of levers when muscular forces are transmitted by the skeletal system, bone development and repair, and the effects of the disease and age on locomotion.

The Skeletal Structure and Functions

The skeletal system is an important system of the human body as it supports and protects the body. The human body has a number of 206 bones. Bones protect the internal organs in the body, for example, the ribs protect the lungs and heart, and they also support the body, this is to ensure that the internal organs are in the correct place. The skeletal system defines your body shape. It also influences the size of your hands and legs, their height and width. The muscles in the body are attached to the bones, so when they contract together, it causes the bones to move. In long bones, there is a spongy tissue that is responsible for red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body.

There are five types of bones in the human body, which are irregular bones that are oddly shaped. Their main role is to give protection to the spinal cord and the sacrum. Flat bones are shaped in a plate-like form. Their key function is to provide protection and a flat surface for muscular connection. Flat bones are things like the rise of cranial bones. Sesamoid bones are small with a smooth surface so that they can slide over. These types of bones are often on joints. An example of a sesamoid bone is the kneecap. Short bones are the same width and length. Their role is to give support and steadiness. These bones provide little movement, they are the types of bones that are found in feet, ankles, hands, and wrists. Long bones are wide but long. These types of bones are like thigh bones, but they can also be found in fingers even though they are short. Long bones give structure for skeletal mobility.

The main form of the body is maintained by a group of tissues that provide support to the body. Ligaments attach to bones to ensure that joints are stabilized. Ligaments can also be found either inside or outside of the joints. Tendons are also very strong and made of collagen that is very flexible, this attaches to the muscle at the periosteum that protects the bone due to regular movement that must be tough and can also tear under stress. A tendon sheath contains a film of synovial fluid that ensures that friction is reduced and the tendon is protected from damage. The tendon sheath surrounds ankle joints as they are more prone to rhythmic stress. Cartilages can be found in places such as your nose or ears where flexible support is needed. The elasticity types of cartilage can be fibro, hyaline, or elastic, and these all differ in elasticity from most to least elastic.

There are three types of joints in the body. The fibrous are immovable joints, each side of the bone is joined by fibrous tissue. They can be found in the structures of the skull. Cartilaginous are slightly movable joints, they are connected together by a group of cartilages that fix bones together. An example of these can be the intervertebral disks of the spine. The synovial is a freely moving joint and is very common within the human body. Synovial fluid fills the joint and makes it lubricated to rescue wear and friction. The joint is covered by a capsule called fibrous tissue, which has a smooth lining of significant tissue called the synovial membrane, synovial fluid is secreted by the membrane. Ligaments strengthen the joints that are on the outside which holds the bones together. As an example, synovial joints are in places like your knees and shoulders.

Biomechanics of Levers When Muscular Forces Are Transmitted by the Skeletal System

Stimulus is sent to the muscle to make movement, which produces muscle contractions. Muscle contractions can be defined as either isotonic where the joints will move due to tension in the muscle that is changing its length. The two types of isotonic contractions are eccentric contractions, which make the muscle longer, and concentric contractions, which make the muscle shorter. There is also isometrics, where the joint will not move due to there being no change when the muscle has tension.

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Muscles need force to be able to move the bone or joint. Levers are important to ensure movement takes place. The joint acts as the fixed axis and the muscles that are around the joint ensure resistance by applying force.

Levers can be arranged into three sections. First class, this type of lever is located in the neck when your head is raised to head a football. The muscle in the neck is the stable axis, and the load is the head. The second-class lever is the load between the calcium and the effort. This lever is located in the ankle and is used when jumping. When an individual is standing on their tiptoes, the fulcrum is the ball of the foot, the load is the weight of the body, and the gastrocnemius is the muscle that is used. The third-class lever is the effort that is in the middle of the load and fulcrum. This is where the forearm will bend from the elbow.

Due to muscles only being able to contract, they work together to ensure movement is smooth and effective. Each muscle will have its own role, but depending on the muscle movement, they can be defined as agonists, this is where extreme force is needed to accomplish movement. These muscles can also be called prime movers. The antagonist muscle resists the movement of the agonist. When the agonist is moving, the antagonist rests. It is important to keep in mind that sometimes the antagonist needs to produce force. This is due to the agonist needing assistance when stopping and slowing down. The synergist muscle helps stabilize the joint when movement is happening. The fixator muscle’s role is to ensure the agonist is stabilized and over the joint in which the agonist moves.

Bones Development and Repair and the Effects of Disease and Aging on Locomotion

Bone remodeling is an extremely controlled process that holds and balances linking the resorption and formation. Therefore, maintaining skeletal integrity. Throughout aging there is a change in balance, which may result in loss of bone tissue. Bones that are aging have less mineral content and are liable to osteoporosis. When people age, their bone resorption by osteoclast cells goes beyond the rate of the formation of the bone and its weakness. This all happens because of hormonal changes, interactive lifestyle changes, and loss of calcium and other internal in bones. As bone age changes occur these are things like the bone density in the vertebrae will reduce, fluid will be lost in the intervertebral discs, which causes a shortened and curved trunk. In order and post-menopausal women, osteoporosis is a common problem, this is fatale for hip fractures in elderly people. Reduced mobility and pain are effects of reduced bone density. Due to gait changes injuries increase this results in falls due to loss of balance. The flexibility and motion of joints become more restricted with age changes. Arthritis and inflammation occur after lifetimes of using the joint, and the cushioning of the cartilage begins to break down.

Exercise is an important part of preventing bone density. Any intense exercise that may risk someone falling should be avoided. Some exercises may be walking, using elastic equipment without weights, and balancing exercises. Also, healthy diets should be maintained, ensuring enough vitamins and calcium are consumed to prevent body mass. Alcohol, coffee, and tobacco consumption should be limited so bone mineral density does not have a delayed effect.

Conclusion

In this report, I analyzed the function and structure of the skeletal system and explained the biomechanics of levers when muscular forces are transmitted by the skeletal system. In addition, I defined and explained the development and repair of bones, as well as the effect locomotion has on age and disease. After writing this report, I determined that access to more videos and reading materials is more beneficial for gathering more information. I also expanded my knowledge about the skeletal system.