Download The Skeletal System Essay Research Paper The

The Skeletal System Essay, Research Paper
The Skeletal System
The skeletal system is consists of 206 bones of various shapes, sizes, and functions. Our skeleton
consists of two sections. The axial skeleton is made up of the 80 bone of the skull, spine, ribs,
and sternum, or breastbone. The appendicular skeleton is made up of the 126 bones of the
shoulders, arms, hands, hips, legs, and feet. The insides of larger bones serve as storage centers
for essential body minerals like calcium and phosphorus. The bones of the skeletal system are
made hard and rigid to provide protection for the delicate internal organs.
This system also plays a crucial role in the movement of the human body by providing a strong,
stable, and mobile framework on which the muscles can act. The muscles are held by the other
members of the skeletal system called the ligaments and the tendons. The ligaments are tough
bands of fibrous tissue that bind bone ends at the joint. Tendons are fibrous cords that join
muscle to bone or muscle to other muscle. Although the skeletal system is strong, if not taken
care of, it can be prone to various diseases.
The most common problem with the skeletal system is breakage. There are various breaks, such
as a hairline, transverse, or comminuted. For each break there are still two ways for it to “look”.
The break can be a simple, or “open” fracture, or it can be a compound fracture, which
penetrates the skin. Although most common, the other disorder that takes a very close second is
joint injuries.
Joint injuries are usually acquired through a pull, tear, or dislocation of the joint and or its
cartilage. Some joint injuries are bunions, bursitis, or dislocation, mostly acquired by wearing
high heels or while participating in sports or other physical activity. Although painful, these
injuries can usually be cured in a short amount of time, but some of the bone diseases take many
years to correct.
Some of the diseases that bones can suffer from are osteoporosis and scoliosis. Osteoporosis is a
severe loss of bone mass that can occur from lack of exercise or from a lack of calcium and or
phosphorus. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine which can be a birth defect or can be
caused over time through bad sleeping positions or poor posture. Both these diseases can, for the
most part, be prevented by taking a few simple steps.
Good nutrition is one of the many ways diseases can be prevented. Having milk or other dairy
products with meals will provide the calcium and phosphorus your body needs to perform
ossification. Exercise is another way to keep your bones healthy. exercise speeds up the heart
rate, providing the bones with extra blood for nourishment. Following these simple steps and it
will greatly increase your bone strength and rigidity.