BMA1902

HUMAN STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

Module 1: The Skeletal System

PART 1: BONES OF SKELETAL MUSCLES

Objective 1: List the five functions of bones, identify the main bones
of the axial and appendicular skeleton, and state their classification
according to their shape.
BONES

o Form the body’s solid internal framework = skeleton

JOINTS (articulations)

o Sites where two or more bones meet

o Facilitate body movement

LIGAMENTS

o Connect the articulating bones at a joint

CARTILAGE

o Supports body structures

o Connects bones
o Maintains the shape of body structures
o Resists compression
o Has tensile strength-resists pulling &
twisting forces
o Is composed of chondrocytes
(cartilagecells) and an extracellular
matrix = ground substance, collagen &
elastin fibres
o Three different types:

• Hyaline cartilage

· Covers the ends of articulating bones = articular cartilage

· Connects the ribs to the sternum = costal cartilage
· Forms the epiphyseal (growth) plate of bones

• Elastic cartilage

· Forms the auricle of the ear

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• Fibrocartilage

· Forms menisci (knee

joint)
· Intervertebral discs
(connect vertebrae)
· Pubic symphysis
(connect hip bones)

FUNCTIONS OF BONES

1. SUPPORT
o Bones provide a framework
that supports the entire body
• With out bones we would be no more than a mound of wobbly flesh on the
floor.

2. PROTECTION
o Bones surround and enclose body tissues and organs

• Skull bones surround the brain

• Rib cage surrounds heart and lungs

3. STORAGE OF MINERALS AND TRYCLYCERIDES

o Bones store minerals (e.g. calcium & phosphate) and triglycerides (fat)
• 99% of the calcium in our body is stored in our bones
· Bone continually “deposits” and “withdraws” calcium and phosphate into,
and from, the blood to maintain homeostatic blood concentrations -
regulated by parathyroid hormone and calcitonin
• Yellow bone marrow consists of adipose cells
· Store fat - a potential energy source for the body

4. BLOOD CELL PRODUCTION
o Bones produce red blood cells, white blood cells and
platelets
• Haematopoiesis occurs within the red bone marrow of
bones

5. MOVEMENT
o Bones act as levers to move body parts
• Skeletal muscles either attach to a bone directly or
indirectly by a tendon, and when they contract they pull
on and move the bone

· Skeletal muscles consists of muscles cells (fibres) surrounded by three

connective tissue membranes (endomysium, perimysium and epimysium),
and these membranes blend together to form a strong tendon
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· Site of muscle attachment is

known as the origin or insertion

- Origin = the fixed point of

muscle attachment (i.e. bone
dose not move when muscle
contracts)

- Insertion = moveable point of

muscle attachment (i.e. bone
moves when muscle
contracts)

BONES OF THE HUMAN SKELETON

o The human adult skeleton consist of 206 bones, and these bones:
• Are grouped into two main divisions:
· The axial skeleton (green)
· The appendicular skeleton (gold)
o Are classified into four groups according to shape
o Display surface features (a.k.a. “landmarks”)

THE AXIAL SKELETON

o Forms the longitudinal axis of the body and includes the bones of the:
• Skull: cranial and facial bones
• Vertebral column: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccyx vertebrae
• Rib cage: sternum and ribs

THE APPENDICULAR SKELETON

o Includes the the bones of the:

• Upper limbs: arms, forearms and hands
· Humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals and phalanges
• Lower limbs: thighs, legs and feet
· Femur, tibia, fibula, tarsals, metatarsals and phalanges
• Shoulder girdle
· Scapula and clavicle
• Pelvic girdle
· Hip bones (plus sacrum and coccyx)