A skeleton is a framework of bones and cartilage that supports and protects the body’s soft tissues and organs. It also gives the body its shape and allows for movement, makes blood cells, provides protection for organs and stores minerals. The skeletal system is also called the musculoskeletal system.
The skeletal system includes all bones and connective tissue that helps to stay supported and safe while moving and still. It includes muscles that helps to move and creates new blood cells that keep the body to be healthy.
The skeletal system has several jobs, some of which are easier to see and feel than others. But they’re all important to the body and health. The skeletal system’s major functions include:
1. Giving the body shape: skeleton supports the weight of the body. It’s also the anchor for all the tissue that connects to it.
2. Support: The skeleton supports the body’s soft tissues, such as the rib cage supporting the thoracic wall
3. Protection: The skeleton protects the body’s internal organs
4. Movement: The skeleton allows for movement by acting as a lever with muscles
5. Blood cell production: Most blood cell production takes place in the marrow of certain bones
6. Mineral storage: The skeleton stores minerals, such as calcium and phosphate
The main parts of the skeletal system are:
Bones: Bones are the body’s main form of structural support. Adults have between 206 and 213 bones in their bodies.
Muscles: Muscles are made of tightly woven, stretchy fibers. Body have more than 600 muscles that helps to do everything from walking, running and jumping to breathing and digesting food.
Cartilage: Cartilage is strong, flexible tissue that acts like a shock absorber in joints throughout the body.
Ligaments: Ligaments are bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones.
Tendons: Tendons are cords that connect muscles to bone.
Joints: A joint is any place two bones meet. It contains some of (or all) the pieces listed above.
Conditions that can affect the skeletal system:
Lots of common health conditions and injuries can affect the skeletal system because it’s such an important part of how to use the body.
Anything that damages the bones or connective tissue affects the skeletal system, including: Arthritis, Bursiti, Tendinitis, Osteoporosis.
Many autoimmune diseases affect the skeletal system (especially joints). Some of the most common include:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Psoriatic arthritis.
Lupus.
Sjogren’s syndrome.
Traumas like falls, car accidents and injuries often damage your skeletal system. Some of the most common injuries include:
Sports injuries.
Bone fractures (broken bones).
Dislocations.
Muscle strains (pulled muscles).
Ligament tears and sprains.
Common signs or symptoms of skeletal issues:
Because so many conditions and injuries can affect the skeletal system, it might experience lots of different symptoms. Some common symptoms include:
Pain (including muscle pain, joint pain or bone pain).
Stiffness.
Swelling (inflammation).
Skin discoloration or bruising.
A feeling of heat or warmth.
Trouble moving a part of the body (a reduced range of motion).
Hearing or feeling a pop or grinding.
Common tests done to the skeletal system
A healthcare provider will suggest tests based on where it experiencing pain or other symptoms. Body might need:
X-rays.
Ultrasounds.
A computed tomography (CT) scan.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
A bone density test (DXA scan).
The common treatments for the skeletal system are:
The skeletal system shouldn’t need treatment unless it have a health condition or experience an injury. Body provider will suggest ways to treat what’s causing the symptoms and help the body heal. Some common treatments include:
Medication: Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and acetaminophen relieve pain and reduce swelling. Body provider might prescribe corticosteroids or specific medications to treat an autoimmune disease.
Immobilization: It’s common to need a brace, splint, sling or cast after an injury. It’ll hold the injured body part in a stable position while you recover.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist will help you strengthen muscles and increase flexibility, especially after an injury.
Arthroplasty (joint replacement): Some people need partial or total joint replacements. Hips and knees are some of the most commonly replaced joints.
How to keep the skeletal system healthy:
Following a diet and exercise plan that’s healthy for you will help you maintain your bone (and overall) health. Seeing a healthcare provider for regular checkups can also help catch any issues or symptoms
that affect your skeletal system as soon as possible.