The Skeletal

System
By Rachel, Leo, Jack, and Anthony

What Is The Skeletal System?

The skeletal system includes all of the bones and joints in the body. Each bone
is a complex living organ that is made up of many cells, protein fibers, and
minerals. The skeleton acts like a shield by providing support and protection
for the soft tissues that make up the rest of the body. The skeletal system also
provides attachment points for muscles to allow movements at the joints.
New blood cells are produced by the red bone marrow inside of our bones.
The skeleton grows throughout childhood and provides a framework for the
rest of the body to grow along with it.

Function
The Skeletal System:

Supports the body, gives it structure, and allows for movement

Protects organs
Produces white blood cells
Bone marrow produces red blood cells
Stores vital chemicals such as calcium

How does it work?

The skeletal system is the base structure of our bodies. All bones are
connected by tendons and muscles, which allows our skeleton to move.
Without it, our body would be unable to do anything- we would not stand
upright (or stand at all).
Your skeleton does not only consist of bone, but cartilage too (such as your
nose and some joints).

How Is It Organized?
206 bones as an adult (300+ in adolescence), teeth, cartilage, tendons, and
ligaments
Two main divisions:
1.

Axial Skeleton (80 bones)

Skull, spinal column, ribs, and sternum

2.

Appendicular Skeleton (126 bones that provide mobility)

Bones in: Arms, legs, shoulder blades, and pelvis

Cells and Tissue

The main portion of the bone is the bone matrix, a mixture of fibrous protein
called collagen and carbonated hydroxyapatite. The process by which it is
made is called ossification. There are two types of ossification:
intramembranous ossification and endochondral ossification.
Intramembranous ossification involves the creation of bone from connective
tissue, whereas in the process of endochondral ossification bone is created
from cartilage.

How does it work with other organ systems?

In order to move a large structure such as the skeleton, the muscular system
needs to play a part.

Muscles are attached to the bone and cartilage so that the skeleton can
move fluently.
The muscles contract to move to the desired position and release to
return to a resting position.
The Skeletal system also protects a lot of critical organs (Heart, Lungs, and
Brain)

How Do Diseases That Affect The Skeletal System

-Scoliosis: a side-to-side curve in the back or spine, often creating a
pronounced "C" or "S" shape when viewed on an x-ray of the spine.
-There are a few potential causes of scoliosis, including spine tumors such
as osteoid osteoma. This is a benign tumor that can occur in the spine and
cause pain. The pain causes people to lean to the opposite side to reduce
the amount of pressure applied to the tumor. This can lead to a spinal
deformity.

Osteoporosis
-

Osteoporosis, the most common bone disease, typically

until late in life, when bone loss begins due to bone
decreased levels of bone formation. Loss of bone mass
development of structural abnormalities that make the
fragile.

does not manifest

breakdown and
leads to the
skeleton more

Lynx
Diseases: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK45504/ , http://www.
livescience.com/22537-skeletal-system.html
Function: http://www.innerbody.com/image/skelfov.html#full-description
Basic Info: http://hes.ucfsd.org/gclaypo/skelweb/skel01.html
Structure: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skeleton