The Skeletal and Muscular System

The Skeletal and Muscular System

Introduction

The human body is composed of several systems that ensure proper performance and health of an individual. Amongst these systems, the skeletal system and muscular system are two integral parts of the body. These systems work, in coordination, to provide the body with support, mobility and protection.

This assignment has taken the skeletal system and muscular system as its prime focus. The assignment discusses the coordinated performance of the two systems, and their effects on the human body.

Discussion

Musculoskeletal system

The Musculoskeletal system is composed of two major systems of the body called muscular system and skeletal system. This system, due to its prominent ability to ensure moment, called locomotor system.

Skeletal System

The skeletal system is one of the major systems of the human beings that are responsible for forming the basic framework of the body. This system composed of 206 bones joined together through ligaments and tendons. The classification of bones is further done as hard bones and soft bones (cartilage). The skeletal system is rigid and the point where two bones join is called joints. The primary functions of the skeletal system are to protect inner organs, give a form to the body, promote and secure mobility.

The further division of the human skeletal system makes up two parts; axial skeleton and appendicular skeleton. The bones in these two skeletal systems provide the body with shape and locomotion, depending on their location. These bones are given in the chart below.

Summary of the Bones in an Adult Skeletal System (Total: 206 Bones)

Axial Skeleton - 80 Bones

Appendicular Skeleton - 126 Bones

Skull and Hyoid: 23 bones

Pectoral Girdle: 4 bones

Inner Ear Ossicles: 6 bones

Upper Extremities: 60 bones

Vertebral Column: 26 bones

Pelvic Girdle: 2 bones

Sternum and Ribs: 25 bones

Lower Extremities: 60 bones

Table 1: Summary of the Bones of Skeletal System (Carlisle Publishing Services, 2007)

Functions of the skeletal system

The skeleton supports the body.

The skeleton permits movement.

The skeleton protects the brain and other vital organs.

The skeleton stores calcium and iron (Tozeren, 2000).

Joints Joints are the junction, which connects two bones together (Applegate, 2010).the human body is composed of various joints, each connecting two bones, and enabling motion.

Muscular system

A muscle is a bundle of fibers, whose most prominent property is contractility. It exhibits specialized ability of contraction and relaxation that enables movement in human body. Muscular system consists of three types of muscles

Figure 1 Muscular System (www.google.as)

Skeletal Muscles

Skeletal muscle has striations ...