Skeletal System: Facts, Function & Diseases
The adult human skeletal system consists of 206 bones, as well as a network of tendons, ligaments and cartilage that connects them. The
skeletal system performs vital functions — support, movement, protection, blood cell production, calcium storage and endocrine regulation — that enable us to
move through our daily lives. Animals with internal skeletons made of bone, called vertebrates, are actually the minority,
as 98 percent of all animals are invertebrates, meaning they do not have internal skeletons or backbones. Human infants are born with
300 to 350 bones, some of which fuse together as the body develops. By the time most children reach the age of 9 they have 206 bones.
The skeletons of adult males and females have some variation, primarily to accommodate childbirth. The female pelvis is flatter, more rounded and
proportionally larger. A male's pelvis is about 90 degrees or less of angle, whereas a female's is 100 degrees or more.
Animals with internal skeletons made of bone, called vertebrates, are actually the minority, as 98 percent of all animals are invertebrates, meaning
they do not have internal skeletons or backbones. Human infants are born with 300 to 350 bones, some of which fuse together as the body develops. By the time
most children reach the age of 9 they have 206 bones.
The skeletons of adult males and females have some variation, primarily to accommodate childbirth. The female pelvis is flatter, more rounded and
proportionally larger. A male's pelvis is about 90 degrees or less of angle, whereas a female's is 100 degrees or more.
While they become brittle when outside of the body, bones are very much alive inside the body, being fed by a network of blood vessels from the circulatory system and nerves from the nervous
system.
A typical bone has a dense and tough outer layer. Next is a layer of spongy bone, which lighter and slightly flexible. In the middle of some bones is
jelly-like bone marrow, where new cells are constantly being produced for blood.
Teeth are considered part of the skeletal system but they are not counted as bones. Teeth are made of dentin and enamel, which is strongest substance in your
body. Teeth also play a key role in the digestive system.
Diseases of the skeletal system
X-rays, MRIs, bone density tests and arthroscopy are some of the primary diagnostic tools used to detect diseases and deformities of the skeletal system.
Bone scans and bone marrow biopsies are used to diagnose cancer. Osteoporosis is a prevalent disease of the skeletal system, particularly among the elderly, resulting in the loss of bone tissue. osteoporosis, bone loses calcium, becomes thinner, and may disappear completely.
Arthritis is a group of more than 100 inflammatory diseases that damage
joints and their surrounding structures. Arthritis can attack joints, joint
capsules, the surrounding tissue, or throughout the body. It usually affects the
joints of the neck, shoulders, hands, lower back, hips, or knees.
Bone cancer is another disease of the skeletal system. It may originate in
the bones or spread there from another part of the body. In the United States,
bone cancer accounts for only about 1 percent of cancer cases.
The skeletal system is also susceptible to breaks, strains and fractures.
While bones are meant to protect the body’s vital organs, it takes about 10 to
16 pounds of pressure to break an average bone. Bones such as the skull and
femur are much tougher to break.
The adult human skeletal system consists of 206 bones, as well as a network of tendons, ligaments and cartilage that connects them. The
skeletal system performs vital functions — support, movement, protection, blood cell production, calcium storage and endocrine regulation — that enable us to
move through our daily lives. Animals with internal skeletons made of bone, called vertebrates, are actually the minority,
as 98 percent of all animals are invertebrates, meaning they do not have internal skeletons or backbones. Human infants are born with
300 to 350 bones, some of which fuse together as the body develops. By the time most children reach the age of 9 they have 206 bones.
The skeletons of adult males and females have some variation, primarily to accommodate childbirth. The female pelvis is flatter, more rounded and
proportionally larger. A male's pelvis is about 90 degrees or less of angle, whereas a female's is 100 degrees or more.
Animals with internal skeletons made of bone, called vertebrates, are actually the minority, as 98 percent of all animals are invertebrates, meaning
they do not have internal skeletons or backbones. Human infants are born with 300 to 350 bones, some of which fuse together as the body develops. By the time
most children reach the age of 9 they have 206 bones.
The skeletons of adult males and females have some variation, primarily to accommodate childbirth. The female pelvis is flatter, more rounded and
proportionally larger. A male's pelvis is about 90 degrees or less of angle, whereas a female's is 100 degrees or more.
While they become brittle when outside of the body, bones are very much alive inside the body, being fed by a network of blood vessels from the circulatory system and nerves from the nervous
system.
A typical bone has a dense and tough outer layer. Next is a layer of spongy bone, which lighter and slightly flexible. In the middle of some bones is
jelly-like bone marrow, where new cells are constantly being produced for blood.
Teeth are considered part of the skeletal system but they are not counted as bones. Teeth are made of dentin and enamel, which is strongest substance in your
body. Teeth also play a key role in the digestive system.
Diseases of the skeletal system
X-rays, MRIs, bone density tests and arthroscopy are some of the primary diagnostic tools used to detect diseases and deformities of the skeletal system.
Bone scans and bone marrow biopsies are used to diagnose cancer. Osteoporosis is a prevalent disease of the skeletal system, particularly among the elderly, resulting in the loss of bone tissue. osteoporosis, bone loses calcium, becomes thinner, and may disappear completely.
Arthritis is a group of more than 100 inflammatory diseases that damage
joints and their surrounding structures. Arthritis can attack joints, joint
capsules, the surrounding tissue, or throughout the body. It usually affects the
joints of the neck, shoulders, hands, lower back, hips, or knees.
Bone cancer is another disease of the skeletal system. It may originate in
the bones or spread there from another part of the body. In the United States,
bone cancer accounts for only about 1 percent of cancer cases.
The skeletal system is also susceptible to breaks, strains and fractures.
While bones are meant to protect the body’s vital organs, it takes about 10 to
16 pounds of pressure to break an average bone. Bones such as the skull and
femur are much tougher to break.