Introduction
The framework of our body is known as the skeletal system, which consists of bones, connective tissues, and cartilages. They are responsible for protecting and supporting the body’s tissue and internal organs. The skeletal system supports the human body and facilitates movements. It includes all bones and joints in the body. Each bone is a complex organ composed of many cells, proteins, and minerals. The smallest bone in our body is in our ears, known as the stirrup and it is a Y-shaped bone. The biggest joint in our body is present in our knees. Without a skeletal system, you would be a slug with very loose skin, internal organs, and muscles.
Function of the Skeletal System
The functions of the skeletal system are:
Gives shape and support to our body
Without the rigid bones in the skeletal system, the human body would be a bag of soft tissues.
- Protection of the soft internal organs
- The skull protects the brain
- The rib cage is responsible for protecting the heart and the lungs
- The backbone protects the spinal cord
- Enhances mobility of different parts of the body
The skeleton supports our body weight and helps us move and stand. Joints and connective tissues work together to make our body parts mobile.
Mineral storage
Along with these functions, the skeletal system is also responsible for storing minerals like calcium and phosphorus. This function is related to the role of the bones in maintaining mineral homeostasis.
Different parts of the skeletal system
- Skull: The cranium acts like a helmet to protect the brain. The skull or cranium is made of 22 bones which are further subdivided into – 14 facial bones & 8 cranial bones
- Rib cage: The rib cage is responsible for protecting the heart and lungs. The rib cage comprises 12 dyads of ribs which are attached to the vertebral column and sternum in the thorax of most vertebrates. The rib cage provides human beings with protection, support and respiration functions
- Backbone: The backbone is responsible for surrounding and protecting the spinal cord. The spine is from the skull to the pelvis. It acts as a pillar to support the body’s weight and protect the spinal cord. The curves help the spine tolerate great amounts of stress by providing a more even distribution of body weight
- Limbs: Arms and legs aid us in doing many activities and moving from one place to another. In the human body, the upper limbs comprise the arms and the lower limbs are the legs. Arms and legs are connected to the torso or trunk. Many animals use limbs for daily activities such as walking, running or climbing
Two kinds of joints
The two kinds of joints, namely:
- Immovable joints are also known as fixed joints which allow no movement between bones. These joints are interlocked and held together. These joints are located on the skull and joints
- Movable joints are also known as synovial joints that are present in our body and can move freely. The bones, which have movable joints, have a layer of cartilage that provides a smooth surface
Different joints present in our body
- Hinge Joint: It is a common synovial joint that can only move along one axis to extend. Some examples where hinge joints are present are the ankle, elbow, and knee joints
- Gliding Joint: Also previously called the plane or planar joint, this joint is a synovial joint. Examples include bones present in the wrists and ankles
- Ball and socket joints: This is the type of joint in which the ball-shaped surface of one bone is fitted into the hollow space of another bone, also called a socket. This can do all sorts of movements. Shoulder and hip joints are examples of ball and socket joints
- Pivot Joint: This type of joint allows up and down, side to side movements. Pivotal joints allow rotation, twisting, extension, and flexibility. Pivot joint is found in the neck and forearm
- Saddle joint: These are also commonly called sellar joints and are very flexible. Examples in the body include the shoulder, thumb, and inner ear
- Condyloid Joint: It is a type of synovial joint which allows rotation but not movement. Some examples are finger, jaw joints
Conclusion
Bones are a vital part of your body. The skeletal system is composed of bone, a hard material that provides protection and support to the bodies’ soft tissue. New tissues are formed constantly in your body as old bone tissue breaks down. As the body grows and goes through changes, so do the bones. However, many factors lead to bone loss, such as age, so it is important to take care of your health.