Anatomy and Physiology

What is the main purpose of the musculoskeletal system?

support the body’s weight, shape and structure, to protect out internal organs, store and release minerals and fat, produce blood cells and facilitate movement through muscle contractions.

What are the main components of the musculoskeletal system?

The skeleton, muscular system, joints, connective tissue.

The muscular system

Muscles and tendons that work together with the brain and nerves to create movement. Assist in maintaining the body’s shape and posture, joint stability and heat production.

What does asana work do to the muscles?

Asanas help tone the muscles and reduce tightness.

What can over stretching do?

Can strain the tendons or ligaments which take longer to heal than muscles.

Joint

A juncture where 2 or more bones meet, there are 3 broad categories for joints.

Fibrous joint

Allow little or no movement

Cartilaginous joints

Allow small amount of movement

Synovial joints

Allow large degrees of movement and are the most common type of join in the body.

Synovial fluid

Acts as a shock absorber and enables smooth movement between the bones, also helps keep the joint healthy by removing and dissolving debris.

How is synovial fluid released?

It is released by movement of the joint which is why its so important to move the joints in all directions available to them.

Why is the spine important?

Its the central axis that supports the body.

Functions of the spine

It protects the spinal cord, aids in movement and mobility, 5 major chakras are based on the spine, houses the sushumna nadi (pathway used for the rising of kundalini energy).

Spinal Cord

A highway for our central nervous system, through which our brain communicates with all parts of our body.

Backbone/spinal column

Consists of 33 individual bons (vertebrae) and are joined by ligaments and are separated by cartilaginous discs.

Vertebrae regions

Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum and coccyx.