Skeletal system
Skeletal System
The Skeletal System (pronunciation: /ˈskɛlɪtəl ˈsɪstəm/) is the body system that provides support, shape, and protection to the soft tissues and organs of organisms. It is composed of bones, joints, cartilages, ligaments, and other connective tissues.
Etymology
The term "skeletal" is derived from the Greek word "skeletos", meaning "dried up". The term "system" comes from the Latin word "systema", which means "an organized whole".
Components
The Skeletal System is primarily made up of:
- Bones: These are rigid organs that constitute the endoskeleton of vertebrate animals. They support and protect various organs of the body, produce red and white blood cells, and store minerals.
- Joints: These are the locations at which bones connect. They provide mechanical support and allow for various degrees and types of movement.
- Cartilages: These are flexible connective tissues found in many areas of the body, including the joints between bones, the rib cage, the ear, the nose, the bronchial tubes, and the intervertebral discs.
- Ligaments: These are the fibrous connective tissue that connects bones to other bones. They are also known as articular ligament, articular larua, fibrous ligament, or true ligament.
Functions
The primary functions of the Skeletal System include:
- Support: The skeleton provides the framework which supports the body and maintains its shape.
- Movement: The joints between bones permit movement, some allowing a wider range of movement than others.
- Protection: The skeleton protects many vital organs such as the brain, spinal cord, heart, lungs, and so on.
- Production of Blood Cells: The skeleton is the site of haematopoiesis, the development of blood cells that takes place in the bone marrow.
- Storage: Bones act as reserves of minerals important for the body, most notably calcium and phosphorus.
Related Terms
- Endoskeleton: An internal support structure of an animal, composed of mineralized tissue.
- Exoskeleton: A hard, protective outer shell or "skin" that provides both support and protection.
- Osteology: The scientific study of bones.
- Orthopedics: The branch of medicine dealing with the correction of deformities of bones or muscles.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Skeletal system
- Wikipedia's article - Skeletal system
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