Professional Documents
Culture Documents
HUMAN SKELETAL
SYSTEM
AND
ITS DISEASES
2. Introduction 4
9. Conclusion 20
10. Bibliography 21
Acknowledgement
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the principal, sir Partha Pradip Panja,my Biology teacher, ma'am
Pratiti for providing me with this fantastic opportunity to work on this project and also for her invaluable
guidance and support throughout the duration of this project. Her insights and feedback have been immensely
helpful and have greatly contributed to the completion of this work.
I am also grateful to my partner, for their assistance and encouragement. Their ideas and perspectives have
added significant value to this project.
Special thanks go to my family, who have provided me with the necessary resources and a conducive
environment to work on this project. Their constant encouragement and belief in my abilities have been a
source of motivation.
I also wish to acknowledge the contributions of various websites, whose resources and information have been
instrumental in the research phase of this project.
Lastly, I thank all those who directly or indirectly contributed to the success of this project. Your support has
been invaluable.
Human Skeletal System
Introduction
The human skeletal system is an intricate and remarkable framework that provides essential support,
protection, and mobility to the human body. Comprising bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, this system
forms a dynamic structure that adapts and changes throughout an individual's life. With approximately 206
bones in the adult human body, the skeletal system is a cornerstone of human anatomy, influencing various
physiological processes and contributing to overall health.
Bones, the primary components of the skeletal system, come in various
shapes and sizes, each serving specific functions. Long bones, such as the
femur and humerus, provide support and function as levers for movement.
Short bones, found in the wrists and ankles, contribute to stability, while
flat bones, including the skull and ribs, offer protection to vital organs.
Irregular bones, like the vertebrae, highlight the system's adaptability,
adapting to the body's complex needs.
The skeletal system is not solely a static framework; it actively
participates in vital bodily functions. Bone marrow, found within certain
bones, produces red and white blood cells, playing a crucial role in the
circulatory and immune systems. Additionally, the system acts as a
reservoir for essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus, releasing
them into the bloodstream as needed for various physiological processes.
3. Pelvic (Hip)Girdle:
• Ilium, Ischium, and Pubis: The three fused bones
that form each half of the pelvis.
• Sacrum: A triangular bone at the base of the spine,
formed by the fusion of five vertebrae.
• Coccyx (Tailbone): The small, triangular bone at
the base of the spine, formed by the fusion of four
vertebrae.
4. Lower Limbs:
• Femur: The thigh bone, connecting the hip to the
knee.
• Patella (Kneecap): A small, flat bone located in
front of the knee joint.
• Tibia and Fibula: The two bones of the lower leg. The tibia is larger and weight-bearing, while the
fibula is slender and non-weight-bearing.
• Tarsals: The bones of the ankle, including the calcaneus (heel bone).
• Metatarsals: Bones of the sole of the foot.
• Phalanges: The toe bones, similar to those in the fingers, including proximal, middle, and distal
phalanges.
The appendicular skeleton provides the necessary structure and support for movement, allowing for activities
such as walking, running, and manipulation of objects with the hands. It also plays a role in maintaining
balance and stability.
The axial skeleton is one of the two main divisions of the human skeleton, the other being the appendicular
skeleton. The axial skeleton forms the central axis of the body and includes the bones that provide support and
protection for the vital organs. Here are the main components of the axial skeleton:
1. Skull:
• Cranium (Braincase): The portion of the skull that encloses and protects the brain.
• Mandible (Lower Jaw): The movable bone of the lower jaw.
2. Hyoid Bone:
• A small U-shaped bone located in the neck that supports the tongue and provides attachment points for
muscles involved in swallowing.
3. Vertebral Column (Spine):
• Cervical Vertebrae (C1-C7): The seven vertebrae of the neck.
• Thoracic Vertebrae (T1-T12): The twelve vertebrae of the upper and mid-back, to which the ribs are
attached.
• Lumbar Vertebrae (L1-L5): The five vertebrae of the lower back.
• Sacrum: A triangular bone formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae.
• Coccyx (Tailbone): Composed of four small, fused coccygeal vertebrae at the base of the spine.
4. Shock Absorption:
The intervertebral discs, located between the vertebrae, act as
shock absorbers. They absorb and distribute forces that result
from movements, reducing impact and protecting the vertebral
column from excessive stress.
5. Attachment for Muscles and Ligaments:
The vertebral column provides attachment points for muscles
and ligaments, contributing to the stability of the spine and
facilitating movements. Muscles attached to the spine play a
crucial role in maintaining posture and allowing for controlled
movements.
6. Segmentation of Movement:
The vertebral column is divided into different regions, each
with its unique range of motion. The cervical (neck), thoracic
(upper back), lumbar (lower back), sacral, and coccygeal
regions allow for specific movements tailored to their
anatomical characteristics.
Functions of Atlas:
The atlas is the first cervical vertebra (C1) in the vertebral column, situated just below the skull. It has unique
features and functions that distinguish it from the other vertebrae, and its primary functions include:
1. Supporting the skull:
The atlas serves as the foundation for supporting the skull. It forms the articulation with the occipital bone of
the skull, allowing for the nodding or "yes" motion of the head.
2. Facilitating Flexion and Extension:
The atlas is involved in flexion (forward
bending) and extension (backward
extension) movements of the neck. It
contributes to the range of motion in these
directions, allowing for flexibility in neck
movements.
3. Lacking a Vertebral Body:
Unlike most other vertebrae, the atlas does
not have a typical vertebral body. Instead, it
consists of an anterior arch, a posterior arch,
and a space between them. This unique
structure allows for greater mobility in the
cervical spine.
4. Enabling Head Rotation:
The atlas has a ring-like structure that allows the head to rotate around the odontoid process (dens) of the axis,
which is the second cervical vertebra. This rotation enables the "no" motion of the head.
5. Providing Passage for Nerves and Blood Vessels:
The vertebral foramen of the atlas provides a passage for the spinal cord. It is relatively larger than the vertebral
foramina in the other cervical vertebrae. The vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the brain, also pass
through the transverse foramina of the atlas.
Functions of Axis:
The axis is the second cervical vertebra (C2) in the vertebral column, located just below the atlas. It possesses
unique characteristics, with its most distinctive feature being the dens or odontoid process. The axis has several
important functions, including:
1. Articulating with the Atlas:
The axis forms a specialized joint with the atlas (C1), allowing for unique rotational movements in the cervical
spine. The articulation between the dens of the axis and the atlas enables the head to rotate around its axis,
contributing to the "no" motion.
2. Allowing Rotation of the Head:
The odontoid process, also known as the dens,
projects upward from the body of the axis and serves
as a pivot for rotational movement. This allows for the
rotation of the head, particularly in the transverse
plane, which is crucial for activities like turning the
head from side to side.
3. Contributing to Flexion and Extension:
While the primary function of the atlas is to facilitate
flexion and extension in the cervical spine, the axis
also contributes to these movements. It provides
additional support and stability during forward and
backward bending of the neck.
4. Stabilizing the Atlas:
The den of the axis acts as a stabilizing peg that helps
prevent excessive anterior movement of the atlas. This stabilization is essential for maintaining the integrity
and proper alignment of the cervical spine.
5. Protecting the Spinal Cord:
Like other vertebrae, the axis helps protect the spinal cord as it passes through the vertebral foramen. It
contributes to the overall structural support and safety of the central nervous system.
6. Supporting the weight of the skull:
The axis, along with the atlas and other cervical vertebrae, supports the weight of the skull and helps distribute
it along the vertebral column.
7. Facilitating Nodding Movements:
The axis contributes to the nodding or "yes" motion of the head, working in conjunction with the atlas to allow
for flexion and extension in the cervical spine.
8. Adapting to changes in Head Position:
The axis adapts to changes in head position and plays a role in maintaining balance and stability during various
activities, including movements that involve changes in head orientation.
Functions of the Axial Skeleton System:
The axial skeleton system includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. It plays a central role in
supporting and protecting vital organs, facilitating movements, and contributing to the overall stability and
functionality of the human body. Here are the key functions of the axial skeleton:
1. Supporting the body:
The axial skeleton provides the structural framework and support for the entire body. It bears the weight of
the head, neck, and trunk and helps maintain an upright posture.
2. Protecting Vital Organs:
The skull protects the brain, one of the most
vital organs, from external trauma. The rib
cage shields the heart, lungs, and major blood
vessels, providing a protective enclosure for
these essential structures.
3. Encasing and protecting the spinal cord:
The vertebral column surrounds and protects
the spinal cord, which is a crucial part of the
central nervous system. The vertebral arches
and discs act as a protective canal for the
spinal cord, preventing damage from external
forces.
4. Facilitating Movement:
The axial skeleton, particularly the vertebral
column, allows for a range of movements,
including flexion, extension, lateral bending,
and rotation. These movements contribute to
activities such as walking, bending, and
turning the head.
5. Supporting and Protecting the Skull:
The skull provides support for the brain and
protects sensory organs, including the eyes
and ears. It also houses structures essential for
breathing and eating.
6. Providing Attachment Points for Muscles:
Various muscles responsible for movements of the head, neck, and trunk attach to the axial skeleton. These
muscles play a crucial role in posture, locomotion, and other activities.
7. Supporting the Thoracic Cage:
The rib cage, which is part of the axial skeleton, supports the thoracic wall and provides protection for the
organs in the chest cavity. It also assists in the mechanics of breathing.
8. Facilitating Respiration:
The rib cage, through its movement during respiration, contributes to the expansion and contraction of the
thoracic cavity, aiding in the process of breathing.
9. Assisting in Digestion:
The axial skeleton supports and protects the structures of the digestive system, including the organs of the oral
cavity, pharynx, and upper part of the digestive tract.
10. Serving as Attachment for Postural Muscles:
The axial skeleton provides attachment points for muscles that contribute to maintaining an upright posture.
These muscles help stabilize the spine and support the body against the force of gravity.
11. Participating in Balance and Coordination:
The axial skeleton, by providing a stable central axis, contributes to balance and coordination during various
activities, including walking and standing.
In summary, the axial skeleton system is essential for providing support, protection, and mobility to the body.
Its various components work together to maintain the structural integrity of the human form and facilitate a
wide range of physiological functions.
The appendicular skeleton system consists of the bones of the limbs (arms and legs) and the girdles that
connect the limbs to the axial skeleton. This system plays a crucial role in body movement, support, and
interaction with the environment. Here are the key functions of the appendicular skeleton:
1. Support and Movement:
The appendicular skeleton provides structural support for the limbs, allowing for a wide range of movements.
The bones of the upper and lower limbs, along with the associated joints, enable activities such as walking,
running, reaching, and grasping.
2. Facilitating Locomotion:
The bones of the lower limbs, including the femur (thigh bone), tibia, fibula, and the bones of the foot, are
essential for walking, running, and other forms of locomotion. The upper limbs contribute to balance and
coordination during movement.
3. Supporting Body Weight:
The lower limbs, in particular, bear the majority of the body's weight during activities like standing and
walking. The hip joint and the bones of the leg provide a stable support base.
4. Enabling Grasping and Manipulation:
The bones and joints of the hands (carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges) allow for precise grasping and
manipulation of objects. This function is crucial for activities such as writing, tool use, and various tasks of
daily living.
In summary, the appendicular skeleton system is essential for body movement, support, and interaction with
the surrounding environment. Its components enable diverse activities, ranging from basic daily tasks to
complex physical endeavours.
Conditions and Disorders of the Human Skeletal System: -
The human skeletal system can be affected by various disorders, which can range from congenital conditions
to acquired diseases. Here are some disorders that can impact the human skeleton system:
1. Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle
— so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses such as
bending over, or coughing can cause a break.
Osteoporosis-related breaks most commonly occur in
the hip, wrist or spine. Bone is living tissue that is
constantly being broken down and replaced.
Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone
doesn't keep up with the loss of old bone. Osteoporosis
affects men and women of all races. But white and
Asian women, especially older women who are past
menopause, are at highest risk. Medicines, healthy diet
and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent bone loss
or strengthen already weak bones. There are not
typically any symptoms of osteoporosis in the early
stages of bone loss. Some of the symptoms which can
be observed over a period of time are back pain, loss of
height over time, a stooped posture and a bone breaking
much more easily than expected. bones are in a constant state of renewal — new bone is made, and old bone
is broken down. After the early 20s this process slows, and most people reach their peak bone mass by age 30.
As people age, bone mass is lost faster than it's created.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that your immune
system attacks healthy cells in your body by
mistake, causing inflammation (painful swelling)
in the affected parts of the body. A mainly attacks
the joints, usually many joints at once. RA
commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists, and
knees. In a joint with RA, the lining of the joint
becomes inflamed, causing damage to joint tissue.
This tissue damage can cause long-lasting or
chronic pain, unsteadiness (lack of balance), and
deformity (misshapenness).RA can also affect
other tissues throughout the body and cause
problems in organs such as the lungs, heart, and
eyes. With RA, there are times when symptoms
get worse, known as flares, and times when
symptoms get better, known as remission. The
signs and symptoms of the Rheumatoid Arthritis
are as follows: Pain or aching in more than one
joint, stiffness in more than one joint, tenderness
and swelling in more than one joint etc.
3. Osteoarthritis:
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis (a condition that affects your joints). Healthcare providers
sometimes refer to it as degenerative joint disease or OA. It happens when the cartilage that lines your joints
is worn down over time and your bones rub against each other when you use your affected joints. Usually, the
ends of bones in your joints are capped in a layer
of tough, smooth cartilage. Cartilage is like a two-
in-one shock absorber and lubricant — it helps the
bones in your joints move past each other
smoothly and safely. If you have osteoarthritis, the
cartilage in your affected joints wears away over
time. Eventually, your bones rub against each
other when you move your joints. Osteoarthritis
can affect any of the joints but most commonly in
hands, knees, hips, neck and lower back. There are
two types of Osteoarthritis which are as follows
primary osteoarthritis and secondary
osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is very common.
Experts estimate that more than 80% of adults
older than 55 have osteoarthritis, even if some of
them never experience symptoms. Around 60% of
people with osteoarthritis have symptoms they can
notice or feel.
4. Scoliosis:
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that most often is diagnosed in adolescents. While scoliosis can
occur in people with conditions such as cerebral palsy and
muscular dystrophy, the cause of most childhood scoliosis is
not known. Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some curves
worsen as children grow. Severe scoliosis can be disabling.
An especially serious spinal curve can reduce the amount of
space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to
function properly. Children who have mild scoliosis are
monitored closely, usually with X-rays, to see if the curve is
getting worse. In many cases, no treatment is necessary.
Some children may need to wear a brace to stop the curve
from worsening. Others may need surgery to straighten
more serious curves. The symptoms of scoliosis are uneven
shoulders, uneven waist, uneven hip, uneven ribcage and a
prominence on one side of the back when bending forward.
With most scoliosis cases, the spine will rotate or twist in
addition to curving side to side. This causes the ribs or
muscles on one side of the body to stick out farther than
those on the other side. There are different types of scoliosis like idiopathic scoliosis, congenital scoliosis,
neuromuscular scoliosis and degenerative scoliosis.
5. Kyphosis:
Kyphosis is an exaggerated, forward rounding of
the upper back. In older people, kyphosis is often
due to weakness in the spinal bones that causes
them to compress or crack. Other types of
kyphosis can appear in infants or teens due to
malformation of the spine or wedging of the spinal
bones over time. Mild kyphosis causes few
problems. Severe kyphosis can cause pain and be
disfiguring. Treatment for kyphosis depends on
your age, and the cause and effects of the
curvature. Mild kyphosis may produce no
noticeable signs or symptoms. In fact, the upper
back naturally has a little kyphosis. People who
have excessive curvature may experience back
pain and stiffness. The bones (vertebrae) that make
up a healthy spine look like cylinders stacked in a
column. Kyphosis occurs when the vertebrae in
the back become more wedge shaped. The shape of vertebrae can be changed by fractures, osteoporosis, disk
degeneration and Scheuermann’s disease. Less than 8% of school-aged children in the United States
experience Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Hyperkyphosis (severe kyphosis) affects an estimated 20% to 40% of
adults over age 60. On average, the forward angle of your upper spine increases about 3 degrees each decade
(10 years).
Conclusion
The human skeletal system is a remarkable and intricate framework that provides essential support, protection,
and mobility for the body. Comprising the axial and appendicular skeletons, this system plays a fundamental
role in maintaining the structural integrity of the human form. Here are key points in conclusion:
3. Facilitation of Movement:
Joints and bones of the appendicular skeleton allow for a wide range of movements, enabling activities such
as walking, running, grasping, and interacting with the environment.
For the completion of this project, I have taken help from various resources which have helped me pave the
project in the best way.
• chat.openai.com
• https://www.britannica.com/science/human-skeleton
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21048-skeletal-system
• https://www.visiblebody.com/learn/skeleton/overview-of-skeleton
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skeleton