Saturday, April 30, 2011

Human Skeletal System

Skeletal system is a major system of the body, which is comprised of joints cartilages and bones. These basic tissues jointly form a hard and firm framework, identified as skeleton of human body. The bony skeleton is a pretty special structure. It is tough and hard, but at the same time it allows movements at numerous parts. In addition, it presents amazing level of flexibility at a number of locations for example the back bone.

The main as well as the most vital component of skeletal system of body is bone. Bones are of many different types for instance long bones, short bones, irregular bones, flat bones and sesamoid bones. All of them have their own necessity in making of the skeletal system. Bone by itself is a unique form of connective tissue, that is impregnated with inorganic salts especially the salts of calcium. This kind of impregnation makes it tough and inflexible, therefore it can endure forces of compression. In this manner, bones compose an efficient structure for the body to be crafted around.

The second component of the skeletal system is cartilage. Cartilages are of three different variations: Fibrous Cartilage, Hyaline cartilage and Elastic Cartilage. Each of these types has unique worth. Cartilages are necessary for elasticity and flexibility in the hard bony skeletal framework. Probably the most evident example of flexibility is the back bone, in which pads of fibrous cartilage (Intervertebral cartilaginous discs) can be found between vertebrae and consequently the column is able to bend over in various pathways. Cartilages also form an essential portion of joints, where they cover the articulating surfaces to lower rubbing.

The 3rd component of skeletal system is formed by joints. Joints are parts in the skeletal frame where a joining is produced between “two bones”, “a bone and cartilage”, or “a cartilage and cartilage”. The most significant function of joints in skeletal frame is that they permit movements in the hard and rigorous framework. At joints, the bones can move in different directions and for that reason produce different types of movements. These movements are mandatory for all styles of body actions. This demonstrates the significance of joints in human skeletal system.

Skeletal system does a number of different roles in body. Quite possibly the most noticeable of these are: creating leverage for movements of the body, providing strength and support, protection of delicate organs, and production of blood cells. Every one of these attributes are important for survival and a healthy lifestyle. The significance of the functions performed by the skeletal system can be properly comprehended in diseases because of abnormalities of the components of skeletal system.

Suggested Reading:
To study the skeletal system of human body in detail, the author of this post suggests you to read the following resources:
Skeletal System of Human Body
Basic Anatomy of Bone
Basic Anatomy of Cartilage
Basic Anatomy of Joint