The

Skeletal
System
Functions of the skeletal system

● supports the body

● facilitates movement
● protects internal organs
● produces blood cells
● stores and releases minerals and fat
Functions of the skeletal system
Main bones of the
skeleton
The vertebral column is also known
as the spinal column or spine.

It consists of a sequence of
vertebrae each of which is
separated and united by an
intervertebral disc.

Together, the vertebrae and

intervertebral discs form the
vertebral column.

It is a flexible column that

supports the head, neck, and body
and allows for their movements.

It also protects the spinal cord,

which passes down the back
through openings in the vertebrae.
 A Typical Vertebrae

The vertebral column is subdivided into

five regions, with the vertebrae in each
area named for that region and numbered
in descending order.

Within the different regions of the

vertebral column, vertebrae vary in size
and shape, but they all follow a similar
structural pattern. A typical vertebra will
consist of a body, a vertebral arch, and
seven processes.
Cervical vertebrae

In the neck, there are

seven cervical vertebrae,
each designated with the
letter “C” followed by its
number.
Diagram of
a cervical
vertebrae
Typical cervical vertebrae have several characteristic features that
differentiate them from thoracic or lumbar vertebrae. Cervical
vertebrae have a small centrum, reflecting the fact that they carry
the least amount of body weight. Each transverse process also has
an opening for arteries that supplies the brain with blood.
Thoracic Vertebrae
these are the 12 thoracic
vertebrae, designated
T1–T12
Lumbar Vertebrae
The lower back contains the
L1–L5 lumbar vertebrae. The
lumbar vertebrae consist of
five individual bones that form
the spine in the lower back.
These vertebrae carry all of
the upper body’s weight while
providing flexibility and
movement to the trunk region.
They also protect the spinal
cord and nerves within their
vertebral canal.
.

The single sacrum, which is also part of

the pelvis, is formed by the fusion of
five sacral vertebrae.
Type of Example
Description
bone in body

Long Femur Cylindrical in shape and found in the limbs. Their main function
is to act as a lever.

Short Carpals Small and compact, often equal in length and width. These
types of bone are designed for strength and weight bearing.

Flat Ribs Have a flat surface. Their function is for protection for the
internal organs of the body.

Irregular Vertebrae Complex individual shapes, variety of functions including

bones protection and muscle attachment.
 Bone and Cartilage
The skeleton is composed of two main tissues -bone and cartilage

Both tissues consist of material within an extensive matrix of collagen fibers

and materials that the cells produce

Bone Cartilage

Matrix consists of tough collagen Material between the cells is softer

fibers hardened by calcium salts and is much more flexible

Many blood vessels in bone tissue No blood vessels

providing cells with oxygen, nutrients,
such as glucose and hormones.
 Ligaments and Tendons
The area where two bones meet is called a joint

Ligaments and tendons are both considered connective tissues.

Ligaments Tendons

Yellow elastin fibres in the matrix of Made from white fibrous protein
ligaments makes them elastic but (tough non-elastic fibre) in the matrix
tough

Connects bone to bone but allows for Connects muscle to bones

free movement
 Muscles
Muscles are considered connective tissues. They contain cells which can
contract to allow for movement. There are two (2) types of muscles. They are
voluntary and involuntary.

Voluntary Tendons

Also called skeletal or striated Also called smooth muscles

muscles

They move when you wish it to They are under automatic control
because they consist of dark bands because they do not contain striations
(stiations) of fibres which slide over
each other during contraction