The Muscular-Skeletal System

The Muscular-Skeletal System

Introduction

Bone formation and metabolism are related to bone cells. Poor bone metabolism results in weakening of the bone that cause several diseases distinct among them are osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.Strains and sprains are also poor medical conditions caused by wear and tear.

Bone Formation and Bone Metabolism

Bone formation process has two forms for compact bone or cortical bone and the other for cancellous bone or trabecular bone. Bone metabolism is due to specialized cells called osteoblasts and osteoclasts (multinucleated cells) (Helmberg 2010).

Endochondral ossification is a compact bone formation process. Compact bone, which begins to form in the embryonic skeleton, is at first, of a cartilage model which gradually gets replaced by bone. Osteoid, a glue like substance, is secreted by osteoblasts. As the osteoid settles down, salts begin to deposit which become hardened and become mineralized bone (Britannica).

Intermembranous ossification is a process of the formation of the flat bones of the skull which initially consist of fibrous membranes having collagen and blood vessels. They grow in a sponge-like network which is formed due to the secretion of osteoid.

The two above processes produce immature bone. It undergoes bone remodeling to become a mature bone (Britannica).

Tendon, Ligament and Bursa

Tendon is a connective tissue which makes a connection between muscle and other body parts, usually bones. Through it, the mechanical force of muscle contraction is transmitted to the bones. It is firmly attached to the muscle at one end and to the bone at its other end.

A ligament is also a connective tissue. It is like a tough fibrous band. The internal organs are supported by it. Bones are held together by ligaments in proper articulation at the joints.

Bursa is a sac or small pouch. These are located in places where tendons and muscles rub ...