Essay Service Examples Health Skeleton

Essay on the Skeletal System of the Human Body

The Skeletal Structure and Functions

  • Proper editing and formatting
  • Free revision, title page, and bibliography
  • Flexible prices and money-back guarantee

document

Biomechanics of Levers When Muscular Forces Are Transmitted by the Skeletal System

Bones development and repair and the effects of disease and aging on locomotion.

Our writers will provide you with an essay sample written from scratch: any topic, any deadline, any instructions.

reviews

Cite this paper

Related essay topics.

Get your paper done in as fast as 3 hours, 24/7.

Related articles

Essay on the Skeletal System of the Human Body

Most popular essays

The PrimeSense PS1080 camera connects to several computers via an USB 2.0. The IR light projects a...

The human body is made up of various kinds of organ system. Out of which, the system which...

Forensic Anthropology is the discovery and analysis of human remains for medicolegal (medical...

The human skeleton is the internal framework of the human body. The skeleton main function is to...

The musculoskeletal system relies on its framework of connective tissue and muscle cells to work...

Each system of our body has different structures and functions that work together to keep our...

The Lady of Oplontis was the first hugh tech examination of a Pompeian. Directed and inspected by...

Globally, age has become the benchmark for many social events such as alcohol consumption,...

There are many ways to identify human skeletal remains and create a biological profile. One of the...

Join our 150k of happy users

  • Get original paper written according to your instructions
  • Save time for what matters most

Fair Use Policy

EduBirdie considers academic integrity to be the essential part of the learning process and does not support any violation of the academic standards. Should you have any questions regarding our Fair Use Policy or become aware of any violations, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected].

We are here 24/7 to write your paper in as fast as 3 hours.

Provide your email, and we'll send you this sample!

By providing your email, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Say goodbye to copy-pasting!

Get custom-crafted papers for you.

Enter your email, and we'll promptly send you the full essay. No need to copy piece by piece. It's in your inbox!

  • Skeletal System and Its Link to Immune System Words: 1137
  • Functions of the Skeletal System Words: 288
  • The Muscular System and Skeletal Muscle Types Words: 628
  • Skeletal & Muscular and Digestive Systems Words: 2558
  • The Heart and the Digestive System Words: 607
  • Hospital System Management Words: 3344
  • Nervous System: Body Sensory System Words: 624
  • Aspects of System Engineering Words: 1616
  • The Functions of Information Systems Within Apple INC. Words: 1381
  • Clinical Systems Informatics Solutions Words: 630
  • The Influence of the Vaccines on Body Systems Words: 673
  • Human Transport Systems: The Lymphatic System Words: 914

The Skeletal System and Its Functions

The skeletal system is one of the most significant ones in the body, along with the muscular and nervous ones. This paper provides detailed information about it, addressing its anatomical location and description, cells and tissues present in it, and the functions it has. Moreover, the report features data about homeostasis and its benefits. The paper concludes that the skeletal system is crucial for the body’s well-being.

The Information About the Skeletal System

Anatomical location.

The skeletal system can be considered a framework of the body. Therefore, it is located anterior to many of the organs. Some bones of the skeletal system, for example, those positioned in the upper part of the body, serve as a protective cage for several organs, including the heart and the lungs. At the same time, the skeletal system is posterior to some of the organs, such as the intestines.

Anatomical Description

The skeletal system includes all the joints and bones in the body. Adult bodies have 206 individual bones arranged into the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton (Barclay, 2019). The first skeleton is located along the human body’s midline axis and involves 80 bones located in the ribs, skull, auditory ossicles, hyoid, sternum, and vertebral column. The second skeleton has 126 bones in the pelvic girdle, lower and upper limbs, and shoulder girdle (Barclay, 2019). The skeletal system includes long, short, irregular, flat, and sesamoid bones, which differ in their sizes and functions.

Cells and Tissues Present in the Skeletal System

The skeletal system has bones, which, in turn, are made of several types of tissues. They include fibrous connective tissue that makes up ligaments and the tendons and the periosteum, irregular connective tissue covering the outside of a bone (Warren, 2019). The periosteum contains nervous tissue and nerve endings, which provide the body with pain sensitivity. Moreover, the bones contain stem cells and osteoblast cells involved in the processes of the growth and repair, as well as osteocytes maintaining the strength of the bones (Warren, 2019). Living bone cells are located on the edges of the bones and in cavities inside of the bone matrix.

Functions of the Skeletal System

There are several significant functions of the skeletal system that should be noted. First, the bones belonging to the system compose the skeleton, which provides the support and structure for the body (Bailey, 2019). Second, as mentioned above, the skeletal system protects organs, blood cells, and soft tissues of the body. For instance, in addition to the rib cage protecting the lungs, the vertebral column protects the spinal cord from possible damages. The third function is mobility; the bones of the system work with skeletal muscles and other skeletal components to enable body movement (Bailey, 2019). Finally, bones can store the minerals playing a significant role for the body, including calcium, responsible for the firmness of bones.

Homeostasis

The bones of the skeletal system have several functions maintaining homeostasis in the body. First, they supply oxygen and nutrients to cells (Sivan, De Angelis, & Kusumbe, 2019). Second, as mentioned above, they store calcium and phosphorous, which are crucial for proper nerve impulse conduction and muscle contraction. Third, the skeletal system produces new red blood cells (American Society of Hematology, 2019). Moreover, the fact that the skeletal system protects organs from damage is also a significant part of homeostasis. If the system could not maintain homeostasis, it would cause severe problems in the body, which will be discussed in detail below.

As mentioned above, the skeletal system maintains homeostasis by protecting the organs of the body, which is highly significant. For instance, bones protect the brain, as any harm to this organ may result in highly adverse consequences for an individual’s well-being (Roberts, Henry, & Molenberghs, 2018). Moreover, the production of red blood cells is highly crucial for the body, as they contain hemoglobin. Without it, oxygen cannot be carried from the lungs to the rest of the body (American Society of Hematology, 2019). Thus, the skeletal system plays a significant role in maintaining homeostasis.

One of the diseases affecting the skeletal system is osteoporosis. As a result of this condition, the bones become prone to fracture and fragile (Healthline Media, 2015). The bones of an individual living with osteoporosis have abnormal tissue structure and decreased density. As a result, they may break easily; the bone breaks typically occur in the spine and the hip (Healthline Media, 2015). Thus, as a result of the condition, a person’s skeletal system becomes weakened, which means that it is crucial to prevent this disease.

The skeletal system, consisting of 206 bones, is one of the most significant systems of the body. Its functions include protecting the organs from damage, supporting the structure of the body, ensuring mobility, and storing minerals. The system maintains homeostasis by producing new blood cells and supplying oxygen and nutrients. The skeletal system may be affected by osteoporosis, which results in proneness to fracture and weakness of the bones.

American Society of Hematology. (2019). Blood basics. Web.

Bailey, R. (2019). Skeletal system and bone function . Web.

Barclay, T. (2019). Skeletal system . Web.

Healthline Media. (2015). Skeletal system . Web.

Roberts, S., Henry, J. D., & Molenberghs, P. (2018). Immoral behavior following brain damage: A review. Journal of Neuropsychology, 13 (3), 564-588.

Sivan, U., De Angelis, J., & Kusumbe, A. P. (2019). Role of angiocrine signals in bone development, homeostasis and disease. Open Biology , 9 . Web.

Warren, A. (2019). Human skeleton . Web.

Cite this paper

  • Chicago (N-B)
  • Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2021, June 27). The Skeletal System and Its Functions. https://studycorgi.com/the-skeletal-system-and-its-functions/

"The Skeletal System and Its Functions." StudyCorgi , 27 June 2021, studycorgi.com/the-skeletal-system-and-its-functions/.

StudyCorgi . (2021) 'The Skeletal System and Its Functions'. 27 June.

1. StudyCorgi . "The Skeletal System and Its Functions." June 27, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/the-skeletal-system-and-its-functions/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "The Skeletal System and Its Functions." June 27, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/the-skeletal-system-and-its-functions/.

StudyCorgi . 2021. "The Skeletal System and Its Functions." June 27, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/the-skeletal-system-and-its-functions/.

This paper, “The Skeletal System and Its Functions”, was written and voluntary submitted to our free essay database by a straight-A student. Please ensure you properly reference the paper if you're using it to write your assignment.

Before publication, the StudyCorgi editorial team proofread and checked the paper to make sure it meets the highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, fact accuracy, copyright issues, and inclusive language. Last updated: November 11, 2023 .

If you are the author of this paper and no longer wish to have it published on StudyCorgi, request the removal . Please use the “ Donate your paper ” form to submit an essay.

  • COVID-19 Tracker
  • Biochemistry
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Neuroscience
  • Animal Kingdom
  • NGSS High School
  • Latest News
  • Editors’ Picks
  • Weekly Digest
  • Quotes about Biology

Biology Dictionary

Skeletal System

Gabe Buckley

Reviewed by: BD Editors

The skeletal system provides support and protection for the body’s internal organs and gives the muscles a point of attachment. Humans have an endoskeleton , where our bones lie underneath our skin and muscles. In other animals, such as insects, there is an exoskeleton on the outside of the body.

In humans, the skeletal system consists of bones, joints and associated cartilages. An adult human has 206 bones in their body and variety of different joints.

Skeletal System Diagram

Image shows a human skeleton with the major bones labeled.

The human skeleton can be divided into two components: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton is formed around the central axis of the body and thus includes the skull, spine , and ribcage. It protects the brain, spinal cord, heart, lungs, esophagus and major sense organs like the eyes, ears, nose, and tongue. The appendicular skeleton is related to the limbs and consists of the bones of the arms and legs, as well as the shoulder and hip girdles.

Skeletal System Function

The first and most apparent function of the skeletal system is to provide a framework for the body. The presence of a firm bony skeleton allows the organism to have a distinctive shape adapted towards a particular lifestyle. For instance, in a fast-moving animal like the cheetah, the skeleton contains long, thin limb bones and an extremely flexible spine. The structure of the skeleton also allows it to absorb the impact of running at high speeds.

The bones of birds are hollow, light and create a streamlined body adapted for flight. Many animals even have sexual dimorphism in their skeletons. In humans, while this dimorphism is fairly limited, there are differences in the angle of the pelvic bones, to accommodate pregnancy.

Integration with the Muscular System

The skeletal system also provides an important form of attachments to the muscular system. Bones and exoskeletons are hard and do not bend or move when muscles are flexed. This means that the contraction of muscle cells will lead to the shortening of muscles, while the bone retains its shape. This basic structure allows muscles to move different parts of the body, using forces generated while pulling on the skeletal system.

The next obvious function of the skeletal system is the role it plays protecting the fragile internal organs. In humans, this is seen in the skull, which surrounds the brain completely. It is also exhibited by the ribcage, which surrounds the lungs and heart but still allows for expansion. Even invertebrates like snails and prawns often have hard exoskeletons to protect themselves from predators.

The rigid endoskeleton allows the body to rise up above the ground or stand upright, and bears the weight of the organism, and provides the scaffolding for movement. Muscles generate the force required to move bones at joints. Muscle fibers contain actin and myosin, two protein filaments that can slide past each other to change the length of the muscle. When a nerve impulse arrives at the neuromuscular junction, it signals the muscle to contract. The force generated by the contracting muscle either pulls two bones together or apart, based on the nature of the interaction between the muscle and joint.

Blood Cell Production

The central part of a bone contains the bone marrow , the primary site for blood cell production in adult humans. There are two types of bone marrow in adults. Around 50% is red bone marrow containing hematopoietic stem cells and supportive tissue. The rest is yellow bone marrow made of fat and its proportion increases with age.

Bone marrow will revert to a higher proportion of red marrow if the body suffers an injury and needs to create more red blood cells. The bone marrow composition also changes during pregnancy and lactation in mammals. Over the course of gestation, blood volume increases by about 1.5 liters, and even the concentration of red blood cells and white blood cells increase.

Production of other Cell Types

In addition to producing red blood cells, bone marrow within the skeletal system is the production site of a number of other cells. These include lymphocytes , which are immune cells that travel the lymphatic system. In addition to providing immune functions, the skeletal system is also responsible for hosting stem cells which can differentiate into muscle cells, cartilage-producing cells, and cells that create bone (osteoblasts).

Osteoblasts in bone also have an endocrine function, secreting a hormone called osteocalcin. It requires vitamin K to be synthesized and is an anabolic hormone. It mediates an increase in insulin levels and increases the sensitivity of the body to insulin. Osteocalcin contributes to an increase in bone mass and bone mineralization.

Storing Minerals

The bones of the skeletal system act as a storehouse for calcium ions , changing the quantum of mineralized deposits within bones to maintain plasma calcium ion concentration within a narrow range. Calcium ions can affect crucial sodium ion channels in the plasma membrane of every cell, thereby affecting overall homeostasis.

For this reason, changes to the concentration of calcium ions have particularly adverse effects on excitable cells in the nervous system, and in cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle. Different interacting hormones maintain the balance of calcium ions in the plasma and bones, especially the parathyroid hormone secreted from the parathyroid glands in the neck.

Skeletal System Parts

The anatomy of the skeletal system is complex, and it includes hundreds of bones in the human body . The anatomy of the system varies widely between organisms, as evolution has selected for various adaptations in certain species which change the structure and function of their bones.

Bones serve a variety of functions, but the most important is supporting movement of the limbs and body. Two bones or cartilages are held together at a joint through tough connective tissues called ligaments. Muscles are securely attached to bones through flexible but inelastic connective tissue called tendons. Muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments are part of the intricate machinery that allows the movement of different bones.

Functionally, joints can be divided into three classes based on the range of movement they allow in the associated bones. Immovable joints are formed when two bones are held together by fibrous connective tissue with no synovial fluid. These kinds of joints hold the bones of the cranium together.

Partially movable joints are also called cartilaginous joints and are present in the spine and ribs. The third type of joints are called synovial joints and have a fluid-filled synovial cavity that allows the interfacing bones the largest range of movement. Based on the structure of the synovial joints, they can be classified into 6 types, including the hinge joints of the fingers and the ball and socket joints of the hips and shoulders.

Cellular Composition

Each bone is made of complex sets of cells, tissues and a specialized extracellular matrix . The two main cell types are called osteoblasts and osteoclasts with mostly opposing functions. While osteoblasts are involved in the formation of bone, osteoclasts are associated with a reduction in bone mass. The extracellular matrix of the bone consists of collagen and other organic fibers as well as the inorganic component containing calcium salts such as hydroxyapatite. In the interior of bones, a soft tissue called the bone marrow plays an important role in immunity and hematopoiesis. The bone is also richly supplied with nerves and blood vessels.

Skeletal System Structure

In general, the skeletal system is structured to provide support against gravity and protect an animal’s internal organs. While this article mainly discusses the human skeletal system, most animals have some sort of skeleton. Some animals, like sponges, can have an extremely simplified skeleton made of calcium deposits within the animal. Others, like the turtle, have drastically modified their skeletal system to provide extra protection.

While this article mostly discusses an  endoskeleton,  many animals use an  exoskeleton for the same purposes. Instead of bones being on the inside, the bones, protective plates, or chitinous skeleton actually surrounds the muscles. While this may seem completely different, the structure of the system is still very similar. The only difference is that muscles and tendons connect to the inside of the system, rather than to the surface of bones.

The structure of the skeletal system reflects an animal’s evolution, as well as the needs it has to survive. For example, humans have a tailbone. This is an evolutionary relic, from the time when our ancestors had tails and were swinging from the trees. As we became bipedal, we lost the need for a tail, and it was reduced to a single, nonfunctional bone. Likewise, all animals are constantly adapting and changing their skeletal system through evolutionary time.

Tailbone

Skeletal System Diseases

Diseases of the skeletal system could be confined to one section of the skeleton such as changes to the curvature of the spine, or they could be a genetic disorder affecting all bones and joints such as arthritis or osteoporosis.

The spine in healthy individuals is S-shaped, with a convex curvature for the thoracic region and the concave tilt in the cervical and lumbar regions. This shape for the spine is ideally suited for an upright walking posture. If either the thoracic or lumbar regions have a change in curvature or there is sideways bend to the spine, it can lead to back pain, difficulty with breathing, digestion, mobility, and reproduction.

Curvature of the Spine

The bulk of the weight of the upper body is transmitted along the central axis towards the legs. When the bones or muscles of the back or not functioning optimally, it can lead initially to accommodative changes in posture and thereafter to pain, injury or permanent deformity. Since the spine surrounds the spinal cord, abnormalities in the skeletal structure of the spine can affect the nervous system, either manifesting as pain, tingling or numbing in the extremities. Additionally, the spine supports the ribcage, enclosing the heart, lungs, and diaphragm. Thus, spinal deformities can also lead to shortness of breath, palpitations or even cardiac arrhythmias.

Kyphosis is the term for the convex curve of the thoracic region and excessive curvature in this region is called hyperkyphosis. Extreme hyperkyphosis presents as a hunchback. This could arise from genetic factors or poor posture due to obesity or osteoporosis or arthritis.

The normal concave structure of the lumbar region is called lordosis , and when the region is overly arched, it is called lumbar hyperlordosis. In hyperlordosis, shoulders appear to be pushed back, while the abdominal region seems to be jutting forward.

Lordosis

Image shows a person with hyperlordosis. In a healthy spine, the midpoint of the spine (A) would be directly above the knee (B).

Hyperlordosis can arise from genetic factors, poor posture, or even deficient muscle strength. When the spine has a sideways tilt, or a lateral bend, it is called scoliosis and could be associated with both hyperkyphosis and hyperlordosis.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition marked by bone resorption. This reduces bone mass and density, thereby enhancing the probability of fractures from even minor stressors such as sneezing. Although osteoporosis is commonly associated with aging, smoking, obesity, diet, some medications and alcohol consumption can contribute to the progression of the ailment.

Weight training, exercise, and a diet containing adequate calcium, iron, phosphorous as well as Vitamin D, help in enhancing bone density and bone mass. There is some evidence that the pH of blood plays a role in the release of calcium stores from bones and the extent of bone mineralization since calcium salts are often used as buffers in acidic environments in the body. A whole-foods, plant-based diet has been shown greatly reduce blood acidification. As a result, it also lowers cases of osteoporosis.

Arthritis includes a number of joint disorders that are characterized by stiffness, inflammation, and pain. While there is a range of potential causes, arthritis usually worsens with age, affecting the joints that are used most frequently – especially the joints in fingers, hips, and knees. Arthritis, therefore, causes disability, restricts movement and impairs fine motor skills.

Interesting Facts

  • Three bones in the inner ear, called malleus, incus and stapes, are the smallest bones in the human body. The thigh bone, or femur, is the largest bone.
  • The hyoid bone situated behind the lower jaw is also called a ‘floating’ bone because it is not part of any joint, and is not directly attached to any other bone.
  • The position of the hyoid bone makes it extremely resistant to fractures. However, autopsies that reveal a broken hyoid bone indicate death from strangulation.
  • Newborn babies have about 300 bones. Many of these bones fuse together to form the 206 bones of the adult.
  • Teeth are part of the skeletal system. However, they are not bones.

1. Which of these is an inflammatory condition?

2. Meat, carbonated beverages, cheese, eggs and even milk have been linked to a decrease in blood pH. How might these things affect bone health?

3. Why is the hyoid bone called a floating bone?

4. Why do babies have more bones than adults?

5. Which of the following are functions of the skeletal system?

Enter your email to receive results:

Cite This Article

Subscribe to our newsletter, privacy policy, terms of service, scholarship, latest posts, white blood cell, t cell immunity, satellite cells, embryonic stem cells, popular topics, horticulture, water cycle, photosynthesis, translation, endocrine system, pituitary gland.

24/7 writing help on your phone

To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”

Skeletal System Essay Examples

Skeletal System - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

The skeletal system consists of bones, cartilage, and connective tissues. It provides shape and support to the body, protects internal organs, and allows for movement by providing attachment points for muscles. The skeletal system also produces red and white blood cells, stores minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, and plays a crucial role in maintaining the body’s overall health and structure.

  • 📘 Free essay examples for your ideas about Skeletal System
  • 🏆 Best Essay Topics on Skeletal System
  • ⚡ Simple & Skeletal System Easy Topics
  • 🎓 Good Research Topics about Skeletal System

Essay examples

Essay topic.

Save to my list

Remove from my list

  • Skeletal System and the Muscular System
  • Scoliosis types and its Treatment
  • Tissue Assignment
  • Compound Fractures
  • Movement analysis project – The skeletal system
  • Observing of Terrestrisuchus
  • Paranasal Sinuses Are Found In All Of The Following Bones Except The
  • Hassan’s Story
  • Chronic Autoimmune Neuromuscular Disease in the Skeletal Muscles
  • Joints And Body Movements
  • Anatomy And Physiology Lab Report Example
  • Appendicular Skeleton Lab
  • Modern Trends in Micro Computed Tomography
  • A&P 1 chapter 8 study guide
  • Bone Forensic Anthropologists
  • Skeletal Diseases
  • Skeletal Muscle Physiology
  • Skeletal system
  • Kinesiology Essay

FAQ about Skeletal System

search

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

Aspects of the Skeletal System Essay

  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment

The primary function that the skeletal system performs is to support the body. A person cannot make any movement without a skeletal frame. The body of a person has an endoskeleton within the skeletal structure. The endoskeleton ensures support for the body as the person develops. The skeletal structure contains bones that have connective tissues and collagen fibrils. The bones have a covering of calcium compound cells at the surface that gives the bones the strength and structure that they require for protecting and supporting the body (Arnold 6).

The bones protect and give support to the structure of the human body. In addition, the bones help a person to work effectively. The bones are quite strong, and they act like poles inside the body. Therefore, they hold up the body and give it the required support and shape. If people had no bones, then the possibility of carrying out undertakings such as jumping would not exist.

Thus, the skeletal organization with strong bones helps one to attain body equilibrium. The system enhances the achievement of equilibrium whenever a person walks. Therefore, having a strong skeletal system enables one to achieve and hold some degree of composure while doing tasks such as carrying heavy loads or walking (8).

An adult person has 206 bones in the body whereas young children have around 300-350 bones. During a person’s growth, some of the bones fuse such that by the time a person attains nine years, they have 206 permanent bones. People deliberate bones to be just living structures as they have nerves, epithelial structures, and muscles. In addition, the bones contain a connective tissue whose main function is binding the bones together. The skeletal arrangement in human beings also contains ligaments, cartilage, and a network of tendons that connect the bones (6).

The bones look alive while in the interior than at the exterior part of the body because of the nonstop flow of blood that they receive from the cardiovascular system. The bones also receive nerve impulses from the body’s nervous system. The ability of the bones to remain alive is irrespective of the fact that they appear brittle whenever they are at the external part of the body.

The usual bones have an outer layer that is characteristic of compactness and rigidity, whereas the inner layer has spongy-like bones. The spongy-like bones are quite light and a bit flexible. In addition, the scientists deliberate the teeth as a section of the skeletal structure. However, the consideration does not qualify the teeth as bones (7).

Learning about the skeletal system is interesting since one gets to know that people naturally grow with the bones. The hyaline tendon experiences the production of horizontal growth that receives a replacement from the bone muscles during a person’s life. The appositional growth process enhances an increase in the surface area of the bones, which leads to widening (10). The skeletal system has muscles that facilitate the effective movement of human beings.

On the other hand, the tendons serve as a means of attachment for the muscles to their respective bones. They can stretch from one end to the other. A person can best maintain effective coordination with the muscles through the signs evident within the body’s nervous system. Therefore, proper movement only takes place after the sensory system issues signs to the skeletal tissue to experience some contraction. The muscle contraction brings about the movement of the bones attached to the muscle (12).

Works Cited

Arnold, Caroline. The Skeletal System . Minneapolis, Minn: Lerner Publications Co, 2005. Print.

  • DNA Profiling and Required Genetic Testing
  • Anatomy of the Brain: Key Issues
  • From the Chemical Components to the Whole Body
  • Evolution of Limbs: Fossil and Genetic Information
  • Physiological Reasons for Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
  • Preparation of Polymers and Polymer Modification
  • Biological Effect of Man-Made Disasters in Nuclear Power Plants
  • The Structure and Amino Acid Sequence of Beta-Glucuronidase
  • Lecythis Pisonis: Wheres Located and What Is It
  • Concept of Neurotransmitters
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2022, September 13). Aspects of the Skeletal System. https://ivypanda.com/essays/aspects-of-the-skeletal-system/

"Aspects of the Skeletal System." IvyPanda , 13 Sept. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/aspects-of-the-skeletal-system/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Aspects of the Skeletal System'. 13 September.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Aspects of the Skeletal System." September 13, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/aspects-of-the-skeletal-system/.

1. IvyPanda . "Aspects of the Skeletal System." September 13, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/aspects-of-the-skeletal-system/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Aspects of the Skeletal System." September 13, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/aspects-of-the-skeletal-system/.

Encyclopedia Britannica

  • History & Society
  • Science & Tech
  • Biographies
  • Animals & Nature
  • Geography & Travel
  • Arts & Culture
  • Games & Quizzes
  • On This Day
  • One Good Fact
  • New Articles
  • Lifestyles & Social Issues
  • Philosophy & Religion
  • Politics, Law & Government
  • World History
  • Health & Medicine
  • Browse Biographies
  • Birds, Reptiles & Other Vertebrates
  • Bugs, Mollusks & Other Invertebrates
  • Environment
  • Fossils & Geologic Time
  • Entertainment & Pop Culture
  • Sports & Recreation
  • Visual Arts
  • Demystified
  • Image Galleries
  • Infographics
  • Top Questions
  • Britannica Kids
  • Saving Earth
  • Space Next 50
  • Student Center
  • Introduction
  • Development of cranial bones
  • Interior of the cranium
  • The hyoid: example of the anchoring function
  • The upper jaws
  • The lower jaw
  • The vertebral column
  • The spinal cord
  • The rib cage
  • Pectoral girdle and pelvic girdle
  • Long bones of arms and legs
  • Hands and feet

human skeletal system

  • What are the major functions of bone tissue?

Hand washing. Healthcare worker washing hands in hospital sink under running water. contagious diseases wash hands, handwashing hygiene, virus, human health

human skeleton

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

  • Cleveland Clinic - Skeletal System
  • BBC - Future - How modern life is transforming the human skeleton
  • National Institutes of Health - National Cancer Institute - SEER Training Modules - Introduction to the Skeletal System
  • Biology LibreTexts - Introduction to the Skeletal System
  • Table Of Contents

human skeletal system

Recent News

human skeleton , the internal skeleton that serves as a framework for the body. This framework consists of many individual bones and cartilages . There also are bands of fibrous connective tissue —the ligaments and the tendons —in intimate relationship with the parts of the skeleton. This article is concerned primarily with the gross structure and the function of the skeleton of the normal human adult.

The human skeleton, like that of other vertebrates , consists of two principal subdivisions, each with origins distinct from the others and each presenting certain individual features. These are (1) the axial , comprising the vertebral column —the spine—and much of the skull , and (2) the appendicular , to which the pelvic (hip) and pectoral (shoulder) girdles and the bones and cartilages of the limbs belong. Discussed in this article as part of the axial skeleton is a third subdivision, the visceral, comprising the lower jaw , some elements of the upper jaw, and the branchial arches, including the hyoid bone .

When one considers the relation of these subdivisions of the skeleton to the soft parts of the human body—such as the nervous system , the digestive system , the respiratory system , the cardiovascular system , and the voluntary muscles of the muscle system —it is clear that the functions of the skeleton are of three different types: support, protection, and motion. Of these functions, support is the most primitive and the oldest; likewise, the axial part of the skeleton was the first to evolve. The vertebral column, corresponding to the notochord in lower organisms, is the main support of the trunk.

Male muscle, man flexing arm, bicep curl.

The central nervous system lies largely within the axial skeleton, the brain being well protected by the cranium and the spinal cord by the vertebral column, by means of the bony neural arches (the arches of bone that encircle the spinal cord) and the intervening ligaments.

A distinctive characteristic of humans as compared with other mammals is erect posture . The human body is to some extent like a walking tower that moves on pillars, represented by the legs. Tremendous advantages have been gained from this erect posture, the chief among which has been the freeing of the arms for a great variety of uses. Nevertheless, erect posture has created a number of mechanical problems—in particular, weight bearing. These problems have had to be met by adaptations of the skeletal system.

skeletal system sample essay

Protection of the heart , lungs , and other organs and structures in the chest creates a problem somewhat different from that of the central nervous system. These organs, the function of which involves motion, expansion, and contraction, must have a flexible and elastic protective covering. Such a covering is provided by the bony thoracic basket, or rib cage , which forms the skeleton of the wall of the chest, or thorax . The connection of the ribs to the breastbone—the sternum —is in all cases a secondary one, brought about by the relatively pliable rib (costal) cartilages. The small joints between the ribs and the vertebrae permit a gliding motion of the ribs on the vertebrae during breathing and other activities. The motion is limited by the ligamentous attachments between ribs and vertebrae.

The third general function of the skeleton is that of motion . The great majority of the skeletal muscles are firmly anchored to the skeleton, usually to at least two bones and in some cases to many bones. Thus, the motions of the body and its parts, all the way from the lunge of the football player to the delicate manipulations of a handicraft artist or of the use of complicated instruments by a scientist, are made possible by separate and individual engineering arrangements between muscle and bone.

In this article the parts of the skeleton are described in terms of their sharing in these functions. The disorders and injuries that can affect the human skeleton are described in the article bone disease .

  • Biology Article

Skeletal System

Human 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.

Human Skeletal System

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.

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:

  • Skull Bone – It includes 8 cranial bones, 14 facial bones, 6 auditory ossicles, and the Hyoid Bone
  • The bone of the Thoracic Cage – It includes 25 bones of the thorax- a breastbone and 24 ribs.
  • 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-

  • Pelvic girdle
  • Upper Limbs
  • Lower Limbs
  • 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.

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

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.

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

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?

Quiz Image

Put your understanding of this concept to test by answering a few MCQs. Click ‘Start Quiz’ to begin!

Select the correct answer and click on the “Finish” button Check your score and answers at the end of the quiz

Visit BYJU’S for all Biology related queries and study materials

Your result is as below

Request OTP on Voice Call

BIOLOGY Related Links

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Post My Comment

skeletal system sample essay

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

  • Entertainment
  • Environment
  • Information Science and Technology
  • Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Health

Essay Samples on Skeleton

Application of forensic anthropology in human identification from the skeleton.

Forensic Anthropology The study of Biological anthropology includes a wide rage of sub categories such as medical anthropology, evolution, and forensic anthropology. Forensic anthropology uses the methods of osteology, a physical anthropology to analyse physical remains for legal issues such as criminal trials. Forensic anthropologists...

  • Human Anatomy

Anatomy of the Human Muscular-Skeleton System

Morphology is a division of biology selling with the study of the shape and structure of organisms and their exact structural topographies. This includes features of the external arrival. outside morphology, as well as the shape and structure of the interior parts like bones and...

Bones TV Series: Show's Approach to the Anthropology

Introduction The field of forensic anthropology is critical in determining causes of death, sex, age, and time of death by studying the bones of the deceased. Anthropological procedures, such as trauma investigations, can help in ascertaining the object that hit a bone and possibly caused...

  • Anthropology
  • Criminal Investigation

Protein Benefits And Intake Awareness For Osteoporosis Patients

Introduction Protein is an indispensable supplement required for structure, keeping up, and fixing tissues, cells, and organs all through the body. When you eat protein, it is separated into the 20 amino acids that are the body's essential structure obstructs for development and vitality. The...

  • Osteoporosis

Best topics on Skeleton

1. Application Of Forensic Anthropology In Human Identification From The Skeleton

2. Anatomy of the Human Muscular-Skeleton System

3. Bones TV Series: Show’s Approach to the Anthropology

4. Protein Benefits And Intake Awareness For Osteoporosis Patients

Stressed out with your paper?

Consider using writing assistance:

  • 100% unique papers
  • 3 hrs deadline option
  • Mental Illness
  • Blood Donation
  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Alternative Medicine

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

Home / Essay Samples / Health / Skeleton / Skeletal And Organs Systems In Animals

Skeletal And Organs Systems In Animals

  • Category: Science , Health
  • Topic: Animals , Body , Skeleton

Pages: 1 (657 words)

Views: 2337

  • Downloads: -->
  • Vertebrates
  • Invertebrates
  • Vertebrates: Those animals which have a backbone and a skeleton.
  • 2-Amphibions
  • Phylum porifera (sponges)
  • Phylum cnidaria (jelly fish, coral)
  • Phylum nematoda ( clam worm, Tube warm)
  • Phylum Annelida ( Earth worms, Leeches)
  • Phylum Echinodermata ( starfish)
  • Phylum Arthopoda( insects)
  • Phylum molluscs ( octopus)
  • Hydrostatic skeletons
  • Exoskeletons
  • Endoskeletons
  • sea anemones
  • 1-In Arthopod ( such as lobsters):- In arthopod the epidermis of the body wall secrets a thick, hard cuticle( made of the polysacharides chitin) that water proofs the body. The cuticle also protects and supports the animal,s soft internal organs. In crustaceans ( crabs, lobster, shrimp), the exoskeleton contains calcium carbonate crystals that make it hard and inflexible, except at the joints. Certain regions of the arthopod body have a thin, flexible cuticle, and joints. It is in these areas that pair of antagonistic muscles function through a system of levers to produce coordinating movementEndoskeleton
  • In Phylum porifera( sponges): The endoskeleton of sponges consists of mineral spicules and fibers of spongin that keep the body from collapsing. Because adult spnges attach to the substrate, they have no need for muscles attavh to the endoskeleton.
  • In echinoderms: Similarly the endoskeleton of echinoderms ( sea stars, sea urchins) consists of small calcareous plate called ossicles. Thus in these animals the endoskeleton is used for protection and support not locomotion.
  • They do not have neurosecratory cells
  • They have neurosecratory cells
  • They do not have neurons
  • They have neurom cells
  • Neuropeptide are not released and no ecdysis
  • Neuropeptide are released to control ecdysis
  • Such as sponges
  • They have no Juveline hormone
  • They have no gonadotropin hormone
  • Have no osmoregulatory hormone
  • Ring of ganglia
  • The neuropeptide that these cells produce help regulate heart rate, kidney function and enerygy metabolism
  • Such as octopus

--> ⚠️ Remember: This essay was written and uploaded by an--> click here.

Found a great essay sample but want a unique one?

are ready to help you with your essay

You won’t be charged yet!

Weight Loss Essays

Hipaa Essays

Physical Exercise Essays

Sleep Essays

Digestive System Essays

Related Essays

We are glad that you like it, but you cannot copy from our website. Just insert your email and this sample will be sent to you.

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service  and  Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Your essay sample has been sent.

In fact, there is a way to get an original essay! Turn to our writers and order a plagiarism-free paper.

samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->