Unit 1: P1 – Describe The Structure and Function of the Skeletal System

The 5 Main Functions of the Skeletal System:2. Shape – The shape of the skeletal system helps define the body’s potential in sport.3. Support – The skeleton is the structure of the body, it supports the softer tissues and provides pointsof connection for most of the skeletal muscles.3. Protection – The skeleton provides protection to most of the body's organs, which reduces the risk ofinjury.7. Movement – Skeletal muscles are attached to bones which then connect to muscles which contract to make bones move.5. Blood Cell Production – The red bone marrow inside some larger bones blood cells are produced.

Structure of the skeletal system:

Skull –The skull structure of the skeletal system is part of the axial group, it is referred to as the cranium and is considered by many to be the most significant structure in the skeletal system. The cranium consists of 28 bones, which provides the structure for organs like the mouth, nose, eyes and ears. It also protects the brain and provides a frame for the skin.

Bone Composition –The structure of the skeletal system is composed of 206 bones, which join together to do five things: support, protect, assist in movement, storage for minerals and fats, and formulate blood components. Bone is made of three different types of tissue. They are: periosteum-sound, compact bone and spongy bone; this is where red bone marrow is located.

Appendicular –Your arms and legs comprise the structure of skeletal system called the appendicular skeleton. Each arm is joined to the axial body by the shoulder girdle. The girdles are what allow limbs their range of motion. The arm has a bone called the humerus, it joins to the girdle and looks like a ball and socket. It is attached to the forearm. The human hand is comprised of the wrist, which has eight bones. The five metacarpals make up the palm. The third part of the hand is the phalanges, the thumbs have two phalanges, and each finger has three.The lower appendages are thicker, stronger and are structured the same way as the arms. Girdles attach the legs to the body, the lower appendages have the same structure as the limbs. The femur bone in the leg is similar to the humerus bone in the arm, except it's much stronger and can usually withstand a large force. The feet, which contain many bones that allow them to adjust to unusual landscapes, the big toe provides support for body weight.

Axial –The axial makes up the upper structure of the skeletal system. It consists of 80 bones and is structured into three classes: the skull, vertebral column and bony thorax. The axial not only offers a capable structure for carrying out various functions, but it also provides protection for important organs, including the brain, heart and lungs. The vertebral or spinal column is flexible, also called the backbone, it is comprised of 26 bones and supports the upper body. Information is usually transmitted from various parts of the body along the backbone and to the brain.

List of types of bones:

Long bones, short bones, flat bones, irregular bones, sesamoid bones.

Major bones in the body:

Cranium, clavicle, ribs, sternum, humerus, radius, ulna, scapula, ilium,pubis, ischium, carpals, metacarpals, phlanges, femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsals, metatarsals, vertabral column – cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae, sacrum, coccyx.