STAGE 3

SUPPORT, MOVEMENT,
TRANSPORT AND DEFENSE

3.1 SKELETAL
SYSTEM
Skeletal system
• The skeletal system participates in locomotion, provides the
basic morphology of the body and allows us to maintain a
bipedal posture, that is, on two feet.

The locomotor system is formed by the

bones, associated with each other by the
joints and ligaments, and in conjunction with
the muscles through the tendons. All
orchestrated by the nervous system.
Together, these systems allow us to move
around.
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Structure and
function

Bones are one of

The skeletal
the hardest parts of
system is made up
the body, they
of three functionally
protect internal
connected types of
organs and give
tissues: bone,
support and
ligaments, and
structure to the
cartilage.
body.

Cartilage has
among its functions
to reduce friction Ligaments are
between the bones dense, fibrous
and to support connective tissue
various organs so that bind bones
that they are more together
functional, for
example the nose.
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How is a bone
formed?

 They have 2 types of tissue: compact bone and spongy

bone.

 Compact bone: it is dense, smooth and solid. It is made up

of thin, circular layers that leave a network of
interconnected channels through which blood vessels and
nerves enter; forms a tubular structure through which the
medulla passes. The tubular part of the bone is called the
diaphysis and the ends are the epiphyses.

 Spongy bone: it is located inside the bone and looks like a

sponge, since it forms a network of plates that we call bone
trabeculae that have a porous appearance although it is
quite strong and firm. In the spaces left by the trabeculae is
the red bone marrow where blood cells are formed.
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Bones are made of
cells
 Bone tissue is made up of osteons
that contain minerals such as
phosphates, calcium carbonate, water
and some fibers.

 Osteons are seen as concentric

layers of bony lamellae in the center
of which is a canal called Haversian
canal through which blood vessels,
nerves, and lymphatic vessels pass.

 The cells that make up bone are

found in these structures.
CELLS IN BONE TISSUE
• Osteochondrogenic and Osteogenic: Cells that will differentiate
into osteoblasts and finally osteocytes.
• Osteoblasts: Cells that actively synthesize the bone matrix, that
is, they form the bone.
• Osteocyte: A mature bone cell, it is completely surrounded by
the bone matrix and communicates with the closest osteocytes
through the bone canaliculi to exchange nutrients and ions.
• Osteoclast: Cell that reabsorbs bone, that is, it degrades bone
matrix.
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Bone marrow
Long bones have a tube-
shaped space inside which
contains bone marrow,
which is a soft, spongy
substance that functions
as connective tissue.

In children, the long bones

have red bone marrow,
which is where blood cells
are made. As we grow this
tissue is replaced by yellow
bone marrow (fat). So, in
adults, blood cells are only
formed in flat and irregular
bones.
• The formation of bones is known as ossification or osteogenesis.
• Endochondral ossification is a process in which during embryonic
development, bone tissue is produced from cartilage.
• In intramembranous ossification, ossification occurs from a
membrane that forms the bone (periosteum). The periosteum, in
addition to generating bone, also reabsorbs it, allowing it to be
remodeled.
The skeleton is divided into two regions: the axial
skeleton that includes the bones of the head and trunk
(80 bones), and the appendicular, which is formed by
the extremities (126 bones).
The number of bones varies with age, the average of
an adult is 206.
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Main functions of the
skeletal system

 Movement: works with the

muscular system to maintain or
change the position of the body

 Support: support the muscles

 Protection: insulate and protect

soft organs such as the skull,
thorax and spine

 Store of minerals: including

calcium and phosphorus,
essential for various functions

 Hematopoiesis: production of
red blood cells
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Ligaments

They are formed from dense tissue of

tightly packed collagen fibers oriented in the
same direction.

Its function is to connect one bone with

another, to give strength to the joints
allowing their movement

There are 3 types of ligaments:

• Cartilaginous: is the one that fills the spaces between

the bones
• Fibrous: surrounds the bones involved in the joint
• Synovial: it is a series of fibrous and cartilaginous
ligaments that are located at the joints of the bones and
cushion the union. Produces synovial fluid that
lubricates movements
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Cartilage
 They are made of collagen fibers to give strength and elasticity.

 They are pads that provide support in places where a lot of

pressure is exerted and certain types of movements are
necessary.

 There are three types of cartilage:

 Fibrocartilage: are collagen fibers that allow movement

as in the knee and spine

 Hyaline: they are very fine collagen fibers that cover the
surface of internal bones such as the rings of the trachea
and bronchi, as well as at the ends of the bones.

 Elastic: they are elastin fibers which makes them very

flexible, they are found in the ears and the epiglottis

 Cartilage-forming cells are called chondrocytes, they synthesize

collagen and structural macromolecules that form the
extracellular matrix. These cells regulate the growth and
formation of joints as the skeleton develops.
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Joints

The union between 2 bones is

known as a joint, regardless of
Synarthrosis: they are the fixed
whether or not it has
joints like those of the skull
movement. Its name, in
bones
general, is given by the bones
that participate in its formation.

Amphiarthrosis: they allow

limited movements because
They may be: the bones are joined by
fibrocartilaginous tissue such
as the spine

Synovial or diarthrosis: are

those that allow a greater
amount of movement due to
the presence of the synovial
membrane and a joint space
between the bone ends.
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Diseases of the
skeletal system
Osteoporosis: Bone resorption is greater
than bone formation, calcium is lost in urine,
feces, and sweat, bone mass decreases,
and bones fracture spontaneously. It is
more common in women after menopause
since estrogen production decreases.

Fracture: it is the loss of continuity of the

bone that can occur in any segment of that
tissue. They can be closed or open.
Osteoporosis, hyperthyroidism, and some
intestinal disorders are risk factors for
fractures
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Prevention
measures
Healthy diet: include calcium
in the diet to promote bone
mineralization; calcium is
found in nuts and fish

Avoid being overweight

and obese: these factors
increase the burden on the
body

Physical exercise: the lack

of physical activity influences
the decrease in mineralization