Human Skeletal System

Skeletal System

The skeletal system functions as the basic framework of a body and the entire body are built around the hard framework of Skeleton. It is the combination of all the bones and tissues associated with cartilages and joints. Almost all the rigid or solid parts of the body are the main components of the skeletal system. Joints play an important role in the skeletal system as it helps in permitting the different types of movements at different locations. If the skeleton were without joints, then there would be no sign of the movements in the human body.

Skeletal System Anatomy

This skeletal system can be divided into the axial and appendicular systems. In an adult body, it is mainly composed of 206 individual bones which are organized into two main divisions:

• Axial skeleton
• Appendicular skeleton.

Axial skeleton

The axial skeleton runs along the body’s central axis, therefore it is called the central core of the human body. The axial skeleton is composed of 80 bones and it consists of:

1. Skull Bone – It includes 8 cranial bones, 14 facial bones, 6 auditory ossicles, and the Hyoid Bone
2. The bone of the Thoracic Cage – It includes 25 bones of the thorax- a breastbone and 24 ribs.
3. The bone of the Vertebral column- It includes 24 vertebrae bones, the sacrum bone, and the coccyx bone.

Also check: Function of Parietal Bones

Appendicular skeleton

The appendicular skeleton is composed of 126 bones and it comprises of the-

1. Pelvic girdle
2. Upper Limbs
3. Lower Limbs
4. Shoulder Girdle or the Pectoral

Read more: Parts and Names of Human Skeleton

Skeletal System Physiology

The primary functions of the skeletal system include movement, support, protection production of blood cells, storage of minerals and endocrine regulation.

Support

The primary function of the skeletal system is to provide a solid framework to support and safeguard the human body and its organs. This helps in maintaining the overall shape of the human body.

Also check: Function of Short Bones

Protection

The skeletal system also helps to protect our internal organs and other delicate body organs, including the brain, heart, lungs and spinal cord by acting as a buffer. Our cranium (skull) protects our brain and eyes, the ribs protect our heart and lungs and our vertebrae (spine, backbones) protect our spinal cord.

Movement

Bones provide the basic structure for muscles to attach themselves onto so that our bodies are able to move. Tendons are tough inelastic bands that attach our muscle to that particular bone.

Also read: Femur Structure and Function

Storage

The bone matrix of the skeletal system is mainly involved in storing or preserving different types of essential minerals which are required to facilitate growth and repair of the body cells and tissues. The cell-matrix acts as our calcium bank by storing and releasing calcium ions into the blood cell when required.

Regulation of Endocrine glands

The bone cells present within the skeletal system plays an important role in releasing the synthesized hormones from the respective endocrine glands for the further requirement by the body for different metabolisms. Apart from these functions, the skeletal system also contributes to the regulation of blood sugar.

To learn more about the structure and functions of the skeletal system, visit BYJU’S.

Also check:

• How Many Bones Does A Human Have?
• How many bones does a female body have?
• How many bones are present in the human face?
• What is the meaning of appendicular skeleton?
• What is the function of the cranium?