Overview of the Skeletal System and Its Functions

Skeletal System

Consists of organs called bones.

Axial Skeleton

Includes skull, spine, rib cage.

Appendicular Skeleton

Comprises bones of the arms, legs, feet, shoulders and pelvic bones

Bone Composition

Over 20% water, two-third is minerals, and one-third is organic matter.

Main Bone Minerals

Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Collagen

Protein fiber forming bone matrix.

Bone Marrow

Fills openings in spongy bone.

Yellow Marrow

Fat tissue inside bone shaft.

Red Bone Marrow

Site of red blood cell production.

Periosteum

Tough membrane covering bone surfaces.

Haversian Canals

Network for blood vessels and nerves.

Diaphysis

Long part of the bone shaft.

Epiphysis

Ends of the bones.

Metaphysis

Link between diaphysis and epiphysis.

Bone Growth

Cartilage converts to bone during growth.

Number of Bones at Birth

270 bones, reduces to 206 in adulthood.

Smallest Bones

Malleus, incus, and stapes in the ear.

Functions of Skeletal System

Supports protects, and forms blood cells, provides a point for muscle attachment, gives the body's shape.

Spinal Column

Stack of vertebrae supporting the head, keeps trunk erect, and protects the spinal cord.

How many cervical vertebrae are there?

7

How many thoracic vertebrae are there?

12

How many lumbar vertebrae are there?

5

How many sacral vertebrae are there?

5 fused bones

What is the common name for coccygeal vertebrae?

Tailbone

How many pairs of ribs are in the rib cage?

12 pairs

What do the top 10 pairs of ribs connect to?

The sternum via cartilage

What are the last two pairs of ribs called?

Floating ribs

What are true ribs?

The first seven pairs that are directly attached to both the spine and sternum

What are false ribs?

The last five pairs that are attached to the cartilage of the rib above or have no anterior attachment

What structures are included in the thoracic area?

Clavicle (anteriorly) and scapula (posteriorly)

What is the xiphoid process?

A small bony structure at the sternum's inferior end

Long Bones

Hollow cylinders determining height and strength.

What are the long bones of the leg?

Tibia and fibula

What is the bone located at the knee?

Patella

What are the long bones of the upper extremities?

Humerus, radius, and ulna

Which bone is on the thumb side of the forearm?

Radius

Which bone is on the little finger side of the forearm?

Ulna

What is the longest bone in the human body?

Femur

What does the femur connect?

Hip joint to knee

Coxae

Two large bones which are joined posteriorly with the sacrum.

Ilium

Top blade-shaped portion of the coxae.

Pubis

Anterior lower portion of the pelvic girdle.

Ischium

Posterior lower portion of the pelvic girdle.

Symphysis Pubis

Point of attachment of right and left pubis.

Acetabulum

Socket where femur head fits in hip.

Articulation (joint) definition

Connection between two or more bony parts.

Ligaments

Strong connective tissue holding joints together.

Diarthrosis (Synovial Joints)

Freely movable joints like knee or elbow.

Amphiarthrosis (Cartilaginous Joint)

Partially movable joints like rib-spine connection.

Synarthrosis (Fibrous Joints)

Immovable joints like cranial sutures.

Articular Cartilage

Smooth surface providing joint movement ease.

Bursa

Saclike capsule cushioning joints.

Synovial Fluid

Lubricates synovial cavity for joint movement.

Greenstick Fracture

(the bone doesn't break completely) are common in children's bones.

simple fracture (closed)

Complete break without skin involvement, often caused by injuries or conditions like osteoporosis

compound fracture (open)

Bone protrudes through the skin, risk of infection. Happens during sports

Impacted Fracture

Bone ends jammed into each other.

Comminuted Fracture

Multiple fracture lines from high-impact trauma.

Depressed Fracture

Skull piece driven inward from head injury.

Spiral Fracture

Twisting injury, common in skiing accidents.

Colles' Fracture

Distal radius fracture from falls on outstretched hand.

Bone Healing Process

Involves hematoma, inflammation, callus formation.

Callus

Tissue formed during bone healing process.

Fat Embolus

Fat droplets enter the bloodstream post-fracture. This can lead to hypoxia and altered mental status

Hypoxia

Deficiency of oxygen in tissues.Symptoms may include apprehension, sweating, fever, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, and bluish skin discoloration.

Arthroscopy

an endoscopic procedure for direct visual inspection of joints, typically the knee.

Bone Scan

A nuclear medicine procedure that uses a radioactive substance injected into a vein to diagnose diseases based on bone structure.

CT Scan

X-ray technique for cross-sectional imaging, for three-dimensional anatomy assessment.

MRI (without radiation)

Imaging using magnets and radio waves.

X-ray

A common test used to evaluate bone conditions, including dislocations, sprains, fractures, and structural changes in conditions like osteoporosis and Paget's disease.

Arthritis

Joint inflammation affecting millions, primarily women.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease affecting joints. more common in women, typically between ages 35-45.

Joint Pain

Discomfort in joints, common in arthritis.

Joint Stiffness

Reduced flexibility in joints, often with arthritis.

Acetaminophen

Pain reliever used for osteoarthritis management.

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief.

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory drugs used in arthritis treatment.

Methotrexate

Medication for rheumatoid arthritis requiring monitoring.

Enbrel

Biologic drug for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis affecting children, causing joint issues.

Symptoms of Fat Embolus

Apprehension, sweating, fever, rapid heart rate.

Osteoarthritis Treatment

Includes weight loss, mobility aids, and injections.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Edema, cartilage destruction, and joint deformities.

Gout

Metabolic disease causing severe joint pain from uric acid.

Uric Acid

Waste product linked to gout from purine metabolism.

Bursitis

Inflammation of bursa causing joint pain and motion limits.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Median nerve compression at the wrist causing hand symptoms.

Congenital Hip Dysplasia

Hip disorder in infants leading to dislocation risks.

Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Inflammation of elbow tendons from repetitive motions.

Hallux Valgus

Lateral deviation of the great toe, often forming bunions. Commonly found in women

Herniated Disc

Disc material protrusion causing back pain and nerve pressure.

Splinting

Supportive device used to immobilize and protect joints.

Traction

Therapeutic method to relieve pressure on joints.

Repetitive Trauma

Injury caused by repeated stress on joints.

Degeneration

Deterioration of joints or discs over time.

Laminectomy

Surgical procedure to remove protruding disc material.

Spinal Fusion

Surgical procedure stabilizing vertebrae with fixation.

Kyphosis

Bowing of the back, often at thoracic level.

Adolescent Kyphosis

Visible curve with mild pain in youth.

Adult Kyphosis

Rounded back with potential pain in adults.