Skeletal System

Bone tissue provides strength, cartilage tissue protects bone ends and provides flexibility.

Functions:

Protection of underlying organs

  • brain, eyes, inner ear structures, heart, lungs, kidneys

Movement: The skeletal system provides a framework for the movement of muscles and provides leverage for locomotion.

Storage

  • calcium and phosphorous stored and released as needed

  • fat stored in marrow cavities

Blood Cell Production

  • production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets occurs in the bone marrow, which is crucial for overall health and immune function.

Joints

  • where two or more bones move

  • joints are classified according to tissue and range of motion

  • poor vascularization means limited healing capacity and increased risk of joint degeneration

  • ligaments join bones to bones

  • tendons join bones to mucles

Bone Cells

Osteoblasts

  • active in bone formation, known as ossification or osteogenisis

Osteocytes

  • essentially osteoblasts that have become trapped within the bone matrix they secrete, playing a crucial role in maintaining bone structure and health.

  • carry out the normal metabolic processes of bone

Osteoclasts

  • giant cells that destroy bone matter

  • remodel bones and regulate calcium levels in the bloodstream, ensuring a balance between bone resorption and formation.

Kyphosis and Scoliosis

Kyphosis: strong curve of the upper back

  • vertebrae in the upper back become more wedge-shaped

Scoliosis: sideways curve of the spine

  • genes

  • hormones

  • most often idiopathic

Treatment

  • bracing

  • surgery

  • physical therapy

Fracture Repair

  • hemotoma formata: occurs as a response to the injury, where blood collects and forms a clot that helps to stabilize the fracture.

  • fibrocartilaginous callus formation: this phase occurs when the hematoma is transformed into a fibrocartilaginous callus, which provides a temporary framework for new tissue growth and helps bridge the fracture gap.

  • bone callus formation: this phase follows the fibrocartilaginous callus formation, where a bony collar forms around the fracture site, replacing the cartilage with new bone tissue and strengthening the healing process.

  • bone remodeling: this final phase involves the reshaping of the bone to restore its original contour and strength, as well as the removal of excess bone tissue that might have formed during the healing process.

Osteoporosis: a condition characterized by a decrease in bone density, leading to increased fragility and a higher risk of fractures, often as a result of hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, or lack of physical activity.

  • risk of fractures in hip, wrist, and spine

  • risk of complications such as pneumonia and clotting

Treatment

  • estrogen to maintain density and prevent further bone loss, especially in postmenopausal women.

  • Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D to support bone health and improve overall skeletal strength.

  • Regular weight-bearing exercises to enhance bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures.