Republic of the Philippines

Cebu Normal University

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City 6000 Philippines

SKELETAL SYSTEM
By: Shairen Armenion, Christine Shane Añabieza, Terish Marie Catipay, Christine Dela Cerna, Nikki Ho
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1.0 Description of the Body System

The human skeleton is comprised of the total set of bones that provide the human body a multifunctional structure. The adult human skeletal
system contains 206 bones! It also consists of the joints, cartilage, tendons and ligaments that connect them.
2.0 Function of the Body System
The skeletal system performs vital functions — support of the body, locomotion movement, provide protection for internal organs, blood cell
production, calcium storage and endocrine regulation — that enable us to survive.
3.0 Constituent Organs and Their Functions
1. Bones- The most important organ of the skeletal system is the bones. Human skeleton is made up of 206 bones that in coordination not only
provides support and protection to the viscera (with the help of muscles attached to them) but also produces blood cells for the body from the bone-marrow.
2. Ligaments and Joints- Another important component, i.e. the ligaments are made of fibrous collagen tissue that attaches one bone to another
bone. This attachment forms into joints and allows the bone to move in a particular direction and hence enhances the movement of body parts in desired
direction, such as hips, elbow, knees ad wrist etc. If the stretching of ligament occurs more than the normal levels, the person is referred to as double-jointed.
3. Tendons- Similar to ligaments, tendons are important skeletal system organs which join the muscles to the bones, hence they are more flexible
so as to provide greater range of movement. The contraction of tendon pulls the end of bone to which it is attached and makes that bone to move during
walking and running. But this excessive flexibility of tendons make them more prone to injuries and infections. One such inflammatory conditions is known
as tendonitis, in which the tendons get red, swollen and painful to move
4. Cartilage- Another organ of skeletal system is the cartilage, which is soft and flexible connective tissue. Cartilage not only plays a role in
maintaining and forming the shape of human ear and nose as well as other organs, but also protects the bones against friction forces (which would otherwise
corrode the bones easily). The cartilages can also get damaged or infected, causing the joint to be swollen and tender. In advanced cases, you may require
repair or replacement such as knee replacement surgery.

Human skeleton organsare divided into two types, the appendicular skeleton and the axial skeleton. The axial skeleton runs in the midline i.e. the
axial plane of the body and is made up of a total of 80 bones. The axial skeleton forms the central axis and provides protection to vital viscera,
such as brain protected by skull, heart and lungs protected by the ribs cage and spinal cord protected by vertebrae. On the other side, the
appendicular skeleton forms the body limbs, and is made up of 126 bones in total. The most important function of appendicular skeleton is to
provide movement and locomotion.

Axial Skeleton- It contains the following from top to bottom respectively: Appendicular Skeleton- It contains the following from top to bottom
respectively:

Skull- it includes the cranium, face and auditory ossicles. Shoulder girdle- it includes clavicle and scapula.
Hyoid- bone of neck for muscles attachment of chin and larynx. Upper limb- it contains arm, forearm and hand’s bones.
Vertebral column- consist of all spinal vertebrae. Hip girdle- it includes hip bone.
Thoracic cage- it contains ribs and sternum. Lower limb- it contains leg and feet’s bones.

Classification of Bones Based on Shape and Size

The bones of human skeletal system are classified in to four distinct groups on the basis of size and shape. They are long bones, short bones, flat
bones and irregular bones.
The bones of arms and legs are long in length as compared to their width. Thus these are categorized under long bones. Similarly the bones of ankle and
wrist are short and cuboidal with almost same length as compared to their width. That’s why they are called the short bones. The bones of ribs and cranium
are thin, broad and curved. They are called flat bones. All those bones which do not have a particular shape, and cannot be classified as long, short and flat
are called irregular bones, such as hip bones and vertebrae.

4.0 Taking Good Care of the Body System

* Take Calcium rich diet, containing 1000mg calcium per day in the form of milk, cheese, broccoli, orange and salmon etc.
* Take vitamin D rich diet, containing 15mcg vitamin D per day for an adult in the form of eggs, fish, orange and cereals etc.
* Do weight bearing exercises daily or at least 30 minutes twice a week so as to make your bones strong in the form of pushups, sit-ups and squats etc.

5.0 Common Ailments and Diseases

Following are some major diseases of the skeletal system which affect the above mentioned skeletal system organs:
 Diseases Description
Osteoporosis This occurs in elderly population due to loss of calcium from the bones, making them thin and
easy to get fractured
Osteomalacia Deficiency of vitamin D in adults causes osteomalacia. The condition is characterized by
softening of bones and easy vulnerability to fractures. Vitamin D deficiency also interferes with the bone
remodeling processes.
Arthritis It is the inflammation of joints, mostly the mobile joints such as neck, shoulder, knees, wrist and
lower back. It affects not only the joint spaces, but also destroys the capsule surrounding tissues and
even bones.
Scoliosis Occurs in adolescence. It is a condition in which there is C or S shaped bending of vertebral
spine and can be seen on the x-ray. It occurs due to multiple factors such as vitamin D deficiency and
causes painful spinal movements that can be relieved by anti-steroidal drugs or topical application.
Bone Cancer Primary cancers of bone are very rare. In other words, most cases of bone cancers are
secondary and are a result of metastasis from a primary cancer to the bones. Leukemia is a blood cancer
that occurs typically in the marrow of bones and is characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal
looking white blood cells.
Bursitis Inflammation of fluid filled sacs around joint space, called bursae. It usually affects the hips and
shoulders.

Following are some ailments of the skeletal system which affect the above mentioned skeletal system organs:
Ailments Description

Bone Fracture is a medical condition in which there is a damage in the continuity of the bone. A bone fracture may
be the result of high force impact or stress, or a minimal trauma injury as a result of certain medical conditions
that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis, bone cancer, or osteogenesis imperfecta, where the fracture
is then properly termed a pathologic fracture.
Lordosis occurs when the bottom of the spine curves outward in the lower back. It is also referred to as a 'swayback'
appearance. If you were to view a person with lordosis from the side, their back would look like the letter C. This
condition can be seen in all ages, including children and teens. It can be caused by things such as obesity, incorrect
bone growth and improper posture
Kyphosis is a condition where the top of the spine curves outwards in the upper back area. It is also referred to as a
'hunchback' appearance. In children and teens, it can be caused by incorrect bone growth in the spine. In adults, it is
commonly caused by osteoporosis.
Dislocation occurs when a bone slips out of a joint. For example, the top of your arm bone fits into a joint at your
shoulder. When it slips or pops out of that joint, you have a dislocatedshoulder. You can dislocate almost any joint in
your body, including your knee, hip, ankle, or shoulder

6.0 First Aid Procedures to Common Emergencies and Attacks

*Bone Fracture
1.Stop any bleeding. Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage, a clean cloth or a clean piece of clothing.
2.Immobilize the injured area. Don't try to realign the bone or push a bone that's sticking out back in. If you've been trained in how to splint and professional
help isn't readily available, apply a splint to the area above and below the fracture sites. Padding the splints can help reduce discomfort.
3.Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve pain.Don't apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap the ice in a towel, piece of cloth or some other material.
4.Treat for shock. If the person feels faint or is breathing in short, rapid breaths, lay the person down with the head slightly lower than the trunk and, if
possible, elevate the legs.

*Dislocation
1.Leave the joint alone. Attempting to move or jam a dislocated bone back in can damage blood vessels, muscles, ligaments,
and nerves.
2.Apply an ice pack. Ice can ease swelling and pain in and around the joint.
3. Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain.

7.0 References
https://www.acls.net/human-skeletal-system
http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Skeletal-System-Organs.html
http://www.innerbody.com/image/skelfov.html#continued
https://www.livescience.com/22537-skeletal-system.html
https://study.com/academy/lesson/common-disorders-of-the-skeletal-system.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bone_fracture
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-fractures/basics/art-20056641
http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/dislocations-sheet.html