Structure and Function of A Skeletal System

Source Of Blood
Cell Production
Some bones in our Skeletal System
contain red bone marrow which is
where the new blood cells are
generated. Red bone marrow (Myeloid
Tissue) produces three types of blood
cells: red blood cells, white blood cells
and platelets. Red blood cells are used
to transport oxygen around our bodies
via the blood stream. White blood cells
defend the body against infection.
Platelets help to form blood clots by
accumulating around wounds, until the
develop into scabs. Red bone marrow
is only fond in larger bones, including:
the femur, humerus, pelvis,
sternum, clavicle , vertebrae and
bones in the cranium.
Store Of Minerals
The bones in our Skeletal System are
made up of minerals stored within
cartilage. This means that our bones
contains a storage bank for mineral
such as: calcium,
magnesium and phosphorous, which
are released into the bloodstream
when needed. Minerals are highly
important for adolescents as it helps
them to grow. Some bones contain
yellow bone marrow which supplies the
body with dietary fats (triglycerides).
Bone Growth
Bone growth (ossification) is the
procedure of bone formation using
calcium to create compact bones as a
human matures. As an embryo, bones
are mainly made up of
cartilage, but when an embryo
develops minerals are laid down in the
cartilage
causing the bone to become tougher.
Osteoblasts are bone forming cells
which construct new tissue causing
bones to
widen. Osteoclasts are specialised cells
which destroys old bone material and
absorb the calcium. These two
processes work together to sculpt the
correct bone shape. As a child
develops, their bones
continue to grow in an area at the long
end called the epiphyseal plate
(growth plate). Once adulthood is
reached, their bones are
(Adults
Long cartilage.
Bone)
mostly solid
with little
Epiphyseal Plate
Remaining Cartilage
The Structure
and
Function of the
Skeletal System
By Hannah Chapman 10C.
Axial Skeleton
The Axial Skeleton is the central core of our
body which is made up of 80 bones. These
include: bones in the cranium, vertebrae,
sternum and ribs. The
primary function of the Axial Skeleton is to
support and protect our vital organs such as:
the heart, brain, lungs and spinal cord.
However the Axial Skeleton also acts as the
surface area for attachment of
muscles.
Appendicular Skeleton
Femur
Patella
Tibia
The Appendicular Skeleton consists of 126

bones out of the 206 bones in our body. This
includes: the
shoulder girdle (scapula and clavicle), pelvis
girdle, upper and lower limbs. The prime
function of the Appendicular Skeleton is to
allow locomotion, but some bones also offer
additional protection to
essential organs. For example the pelvis
safeguards the sensitive reproductive system.
Fibula
Tarsals
Metatarsals
Phalanges
Types of Bones
Long Bones
Long bones are a cylindrical shape and are found in limbs. Bones such as: the femur, tibia, humerus, metatarsals and phalanges are long bones and their main function is to
act as a lever. The structure of a long bone is longer than wide with an epiphyseal plate at each end. They are covered with compact bone and have a spongy inner (cancellous
bone) which contains bone marrow. The ends of the long bone is plastered with hyaline cartilage to protect the bone and absorb shocks.
(Femur)
Short Bones
Short bones are approximately a flat cuboid shape, usually equal in length and width. These bones consist of: the carpals and tarsals, and their main design is to be strong for
weight-bearing. Short bones are covered with only a thin layer of compact bone and are filled with hard cancellous
material on the inside.
(Carpals)
Flat Bones
Flat bones are thin, flat and slightly curved with their primary purpose to protect internal organs. For example the cranium (skull) protects the heart and other vital organs. Flat
Functions Of A Skeletal System

There are Six different functions
of the Skeletal System, these
include the
following:
Support
Protection
Leverage
(Attachment for Skeletal
Muscles)
Blood Cell Production
Store of Minerals
Bone Growth.
Support
The Skeletal System is used to
support our bodies. The bones
provide a strong framework which
holds up our vital
organs and allow muscles and other
soft tissues a structure to affix to.
Without or Skeletal System we would
be very saggy as there is
substructure for our very large mass.
Imagine if we had no jawbone - our
teeth would be floating around in our
gums! Soup would be our meal for
life! The vertebrae column supports
the skull, which holds the brain. Also
the pelvis and tibia are sturdy, which
enables them to carry the entire
weight of our bodies.
Protection
Our Skeletal Systems is very important
as it offers protection for our vital
organs by
surrounding them hard bone. For
example, the bones of the cranium
(skull) protects one of the most crucial
organ in our body, the brain. In
addition, the ribcage safeguard
internal organs including the heart,
lungs, kidneys and liver. The
reproductive system is shielded by the
pelvis and the vertebrae encases the
spinal cord, protecting it from damage.
Leverage
Without bones in our Skeletal System
we would not be able to move. Muscle
are
attached to bones via tendons,
allowing them to suppress the force of
muscle
contraction. Long bones act as levers
which
produces movement
enabling us to perform daily
functions. Different types of joints
carry out different movements, for
example the vertebrae column allows
us to bend and stretch.
Structure Of A Skeletal System

Cranium
Clavicle
Cervical
Vertebrae
Sternum
Scapula
Ribs
Humerus
Lumbar
Vertebra
e
Thoracic
Vertebra
e
Ulna
Radius
Sacrum
Coccyx
Ilium
Carpals
Metacarpals
Pubis
Phalanges
Ischium

Structure and Function of A Skeletal System

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Structure and Function of A Skeletal System

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Structure and Function of A Skeletal System

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Source Of Blood

By Hannah Chapman 10C.

The Appendicular Skeleton consists of 126

Functions Of A Skeletal System

Structure Of A Skeletal System

You might also like