Introduction
Tendons, ligaments, cartilages and bones compose the primary connective tissue system of the human skeletal system. Appendicular and Axial skeleton are the major divisions of the skeletal system. The axial skeleton consists of skull bone, thoracic cage and vertebral column and the appendicular skeleton composes of limbs and girdle. (Kent M. Van De Graaff) The various functions of the skeletal system include movement, blood-cell formation, protection, support, detoxification, energy and mineral storage. Intrinsically, the paper will focus on the five functions of the skeletal system.
Context
The blood-cell production also referred as hemopoiesis occurs in the red bone marrow where the immature and mature hematopoietic cell is found. (Marieb) Red marrow, a soft tissue located in the inner core of bone, is the primary red or white blood cells and platelets formation site. Platelets help in wound healing in cases of injury by surrounding the site and stop blood flow eventually scab forms. Red blood cells help carry oxygen to body tissues. Meanwhile, white blood cells defend the body from foreign potentially infectious cells.
Calcium and phosphorus are the primary minerals stored in the outer layers of the bony tissues and to maintain normal calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood; there are continuous withdrawal and deposition of ions from the bones. Long bones and mature bones shaft contain yellow marrow that acts as an energy reserve as it mainly consists of lipids which are released into the blood and utilized by body tissues. (Kent M. Van De Graaff)
Protection of major and vital internal organs is an important skeletal system function that consists of hard bone that protects the organ it encloses. The skull and rib cage encases and protects the brain and heart, lungs respectively enabling the organs to develop and perform their normal functions. (Kent M. Van De Graaff)Strong, rigid bones that make up the skeletal system are suited for bearing weight thus making it a significant support tissue of the body giving the body its shape and maintain the erected posture. Ligaments hold bones together while cartilage provides extra support within different structures such as the trachea and thoracic cage.
Contraction of skeletal muscles that are attached to bones, acting as levers, by tendons produce body movement. (Kent M. Van De Graaff) Ends of bones within joints, where more than one bone connects, is covered with smooth cartilage allowing free movement of bones. Muscles pull bones hence the moveable bones must be robust enough to withstand the force exerted, and ligaments, fibrous connective tissue bands, on the bones prevent excessive bone movement.
Conclusion
Skeletal system functions enable an organism to move better, protect efficiently, grow larger and lastly heal faster hence the core understanding of the skeletal system structure and functions is very essential. The skeletal system also plays a significant role in maintaining normal bodily functions such as balancing calcium and phosphorus levels which ensure healthy muscles.
Share This
Essay
