Skeletal System

Hyaline Cartilage covers the ends of the bones. The smooth surfaces stops
cartilage the bones rubbing together and absorbs shock.
Epiphysis This is the name for the extremity of the bones.
Cancellous This is sometimes called Spongy Bone and stores the red bone
bone marrow where blood cells are manufactured.
Epiphyseal
A line across the bone from where the bone grows in length.
plate
Diaphysis The shaft of the bone.
The word "compact" suggests a hard part of the bone. It surrounds
Compact
the yellow bone marrow in the diaphysis and gives strength to the
bone
hollow part of the bone.
Where there is no hyaline cartilage, the periosteum covers the
Periosteum surface of the bone. Ligaments and tendons are attached to the
periosteum.
Medullary
This space inside the diaphysis contains the yellow bone marrow.
cavity

Long bones
Long bones are long and cylindrical in shape, and can be found in the limbs. They
are associated with movement. Examples of long bones are:
 Femur
Tibia
Fibula
Phalanges
Metacarpals
Ulna
Humerus

Short bones
Short bones are there for strength and have limited movement. They are typically
squarish in shape and can be found in the foot tarsals and the wrist carpals.

Flat bones
Flat (plate) bones protect our internal organs. They enclose our vital organs.
Examples of flat bones are:
Ribs
Sternum
Scapula (pictured)
Cranium

Irregular bones
Irregular bones can be described as having no definite geometrical shape. Good
examples of these bones are the vertebrae.
Functions of the skeleton
Support
Without a skeleton we would be like jelly and flop all over the floor. In fact, one could
argue that our skeleton is an important evolutionary trait that has helped our species
progress. Our skeleton provides the body with shape and forms a frame under the
skin. The body is held in position by muscles which are firmly attached to the bones.
Protection
Vital organs are protected from damage by the different bones of the skeleton. The
brain is protected by the cranium, the heart and lungs are surrounded by the ribs and
the sternum, and the spinal cord passes through the centre of the vertebral
column.

Movement
If the skeleton did not have joints, it would be impossible to move. Bones are linked
at the joints and muscles allow them to move. The way the bones grow affects the
movement in the joints.

Blood production
Blood cells are made in the red bone marrow in the centre of certain bones of the
skeleton. The main sites of blood cell production are the pelvic girdle, ribs, sternum
and the vertebrae.
Bones are not completely solid, as they would be too heavy to carry around. Blood
vessels feed the centre of the bones, and calcium is stored and released to the
tissues which require it. Also stored inside the bones are different types of bone
marrow - red and yellow. Red bone marrow produces blood, while yellow bone
marrow stores fat but can be converted to red if the body is in need of more
red/white blood cells.
Store for minerals
The main mineral that is stored in the skeleton is calcium. The body needs calcium
to harden the bones. This hardening process is called ossification and happens
throughout childhood. The skeleton is also continually replacing itself throughout our
adult life. Calcium is transported in the bloodstream to the sites of bone growth or
where replacement is needed (at an injured bone).
Ossification- how the skeleton grows
Some parts of the body are made of cartilage - noses and ears, for example-which
remain fairly flexible throughout life. But at birth, all bones consist mainly of cartilage.
As the bones grow throughout childhood and adolescence they harden. By the time
we're in our early 20's, the entire skeleton has hardened as much as it's going to.
This hardening process is called ossification.
Bones harden when calcium salts are deposited within the bone. Different factors
affect bone growth. A poor diet, smoking, hormonal imbalances and physical stress
can keep bones from growing to their full potential or change the way that bones
grow.
Osteoporosis
In females, the skeleton starts to lose calcium from about the age of 30. Men begin
to lose calcium from about age 40. As the body cannot absorb calcium as effectively,
the bones begin to thin. This can lead to osteoporosis. Men are less likely to suffer
from osteoporosis because they have heavier and larger bones to begin with. Also
hormonal changes in menopausal women can accelerate bone thinning. The
characteristic rounded shoulders of a person with osteoporosis is caused by tiny
fractures in the vertebrae, causing the back to bend under its own weight.
Osteoporosis can be combated with calcium supplements, regular exercise and a
healthy diet.