Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
Book Appointment
Treatment
Ask a Question
Plan my Surgery
Health Feed
tab_logos
About
tab_logos
Health Feed
tab_logos
Find Doctors

Skeletal System (Human Anatomy): Image, Function, Diseases, and Treatments

Last Updated: Feb 25, 2023

Skeletal System Image

Topic Image

The human skeletal system is composed of cartilage, tendons, and ligaments in addition to the bones themselves. The weight of a person's skeleton accounts for around twenty percent of their total mass.

There are 206 bones in the average adult human body. Because certain bones, notably those in the skull, fuse together as humans develop into adults, children's skeletons give the impression of having more bones than those of adults.

In a similar vein, the male and female skeletons are distinct from one another in a number of significant ways. Male skeletons are frequently larger and longer. On the other hand, in order to accommodate a growing child, women are born with pelvises that are naturally wider than men's.

The axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton are the two fundamental components of the skeletal system in all persons, regardless of age or gender. These components make up the skeleton.

The mature human axial skeleton is comprised of a total of 80 bones. The bones of the head, neck, chest, and spine are what make up the skeleton. Together, these areas of the body create the vertical axis of the human body.

  • Skull bones: The human skull is made up of 22 distinct bones. There are further categories for bones based on their anatomical positioning.Inside the skull, there are bones. Your skull is composed of the eight bones that comprise your craniosacral system. They function as a form of brain protection. Skeleton of the face. The face contains 14 bones in total. They are located on the front of the skull and are in charge of facial development.
  • Auditory ossicles: The auditory ossicles are six small bones in the inner ear canal of the skull. Each ear includes three little bones called ossicles that aid in hearing. These are the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup). They work together to transfer outside sounds into the inner ear for processing.
  • Hyoid: The hyoid bone, named after the U shape in which it sits, forms the foundation of the mandible. Here is where the muscles and ligaments of the neck attach.
  • Vertebral column: The number of bones in the spinal column is 26. There are 24 vertebrae in all, plus the sacrum and the coccyx (tailbone). An additional classification scheme applies to the 24 vertebrae.
  • Cervical vertebrae: sometimes known simply as neck vertebrae. These seven bones are found in the head and neck. The shoulders and upper arms.Your upper back is made up of 12 individual bones called vertebrae. Fractures in the lower back. A total of five of these bones make up your lower back. There are several fused vertebrae that make up the sacrum and coccyx. When used when seated, they assist in distributing the user's weight more comfortably. Furthermore, ligaments can be connected with this method.
  • Thoracic cage: The thoracic cage, which also contains the sternum, is made up of the 12 ribs on either side of the sternum (breastbone). The rib cage protects the heart and lungs, which are located in the upper chest. Some ribs connect to the sternum through cartilage, whereas others cling directly to it. The ribs that do not join to the rest of the body are referred to as 'floating ribs.'
  • Pectoral girdle: Pectoral girdle is an essential structural link that binds the upper limbs to the trunk. It is located in the chest region. Structure made up of the collarbone (also known as the clavicle) and the scapula (also known as the shoulder blade) (shoulder blade). There is one for each of your arms as part of this set.
  • Upper limbs: The humerus is the name given to the collection of 30 bones that make up each arm. The humerus is the long bone of the upper arm, as one may infer from its name.
  • Radius: The radius is the more substantial of the two bones that make up the forearm, and it may be found on the side of the arm opposite the thumb.
  • Ulna: The ulna, the second long bone in the forearm, is located on the side of the hand opposite the pinky finger.
  • Carpals: The carpals are comprised of eight individual bones, all of which may be found in the vicinity of the wrist.
  • Metacarpals: The five bones that make up the hand's middle part are called the metacarpals. Phalanges. Phalanges are the bones that make up the 14 finger joints.
  • Pelvic girdle: The hips, also known as the pelvic girdle, are the region where the limbs join the trunk of the body. It is made up of the sacrum as well as the two hip bones, one of which is located in each hip. Each individual hip bone is composed of three different components.

  1. Ilium: The ilium of a human being is the uppermost portion of their hip bone.
  2. Ischium: At the bottom of each hip lies a bone with a bend in it called the ischium.
  3. Pubis: It's possible that the pubis is located on the front of your hip.
  4. Lower limbs: There are 30 bones in each leg, and they are referred to by the following names:
  5. Femur: The femur is the most important bone in the upper leg.
  6. Tibia: The tibia is the biggest and most noticeable of the bones that make up the lower leg. It is the tissue that eventually develops into your shinbone. Fibula. It is the second bone in the leg's thigh, which is called the fibula.
  7. Patella: Patellae are most often known as kneecaps.
  8. Tarsals: The seven bones that make up an ankle are referred to as tarsals.
  9. Metatarsal: The metatarsals are a group of five bones that are located in the middle of the foot. Phalanges: Phalanges are the bones that make up the toes' 14 individual segments.

Skeletal System Functions

The major purpose of the skeletal system is to support the body's weight. For example, the spine supports both the head and the remainder of the upper body. However, when a person stands, their legs support and bear the weight of their upper body.

This happens when the lower body does not support the upper body. In addition to these duties, the skeleton serves a variety of other purposes. Keeping important organs away from injury.

The thoracic cage guards important organs including the heart and lungs, while the skull guards the brain. enabling for unrestricted movement in all directions A tendon is a connective tissue component that links a muscle to a bone.

Because of this link, the body may now move in a variety of directions, the production of new blood cells. All three types of blood cells the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets which are produced in the soft bone marrow found inside many bones.

Maintaining an appropriate supply of essential minerals and nutrients Minerals like calcium and phosphorus are stored in and released from bones all over the body.

Skeletal System Conditions

Topic Image

  • Fractures: A fracture is also known as a bone break. The majority of fractures are caused by a fall or a car collision. Fractures can be classified according to their kind and location.
  • Metabolic bone diseases: The term 'metabolic bone disorders' refers to a collection of ailments that compromise the bones' capacity for strength or stability in some way. A lack of vitamin D, a decrease in bone density, and the use of medications such as steroids or chemotherapy are additional possible causes.
  • Arthritis: The basic symptom of arthritis is joint inflammation. It is possible to have discomfort and limited movement as a result of this. Arthritis can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including the deterioration of joint cartilage, autoimmune diseases, or even infection.
  • Cancer: Bones and the cells they produce are not cancer-resistant. According to credible sources, primary bone tissue cancer is exceedingly rare. Blood cell malignancies such as myeloma and lymphoma, which are caused by bone marrow, are becoming increasingly common.
  • Spinal curvatures: The spine is considered to have a curvature when it does not flex normally. The spine features little bends in the front and back. The spine can be curved in one of three ways: Kyphosis. Your upper back rounds when you have kyphosis. Lordosis. Your lower back turns inward when you have lordosis. Scoliosis. Scoliosis causes the spine to bend in a S or C shape.
  • Pyogenic Osteomyelitis: Acute pyogenic osteomyelitis is bone inflammation caused by an infectious bacterium. The most well-known bacterial infection is staphylococcus aureus.

Skeletal System Test

  • Physical Examination: An evaluation of the ankle by a qualified medical practitioner may reveal the presence of an ankle fracture, a sprain, or another ailment.
  • X-Ray: When attempting to detect a fracture, arthritis, or any number of other conditions that may damage the joint, an X-ray film of any area of the skeletal system is frequently obtained.
  • Stress X-Ray: As the physician applies pressure to a damaged component of the skeletal system, an X-ray film is obtained. This treatment, also known as a stress film or a stress test, can detect ankle abnormalities that are not detectable on regular X-rays.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Mri Scan): Because an MRI scanner uses both a strong magnet and a computer, the pictures of the wounded region of the skeletal system produced by it have a very high level of resolution.
  • Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (Anti-CCP) Antibody: In rheumatoid arthritis, levels are often greater than in other inflammatory rheumatologic diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
  • RA Factor: Despite the fact that levels can be raised in other rheumatologic illnesses associated with inflammatory arthritis, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, levels in rheumatoid arthritis are frequently higher.
  • CRP Levels: C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker associated to an increased risk of fractures or injured skeletal system components, despite contradicting data (BMD).
  • SERUM VIT D3: A blood test can measure your vitamin D levels so you can stay healthy. Vitamin D helps bones and teeth. Consistent exercise maintains your muscles, nerves, and immune system in peak form.
  • X-Ray3: In most cases, the most common and trustworthy procedure is a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. DEXA imaging employs extremely low-dose x-rays.

pms_banner

Skeletal System Treatment

Topic Image

  • Rice Therapy: Rest, Ice, Compression (with something like an athletic bandage), and Elevation is the RICE therapy plan. Most ankle injuries may be effectively treated initially using the RICE procedure.
  • Ankle Immobilization: Most ankle fractures need immobilisation of the ankle, usually by the use of a cast. Some medical experts think that immobilisation might help with ankle sprains as well.
  • Syndesmotic Screw: A screw is used to fix the fractured bones in the patient's lower leg. This helps to stabilise the ankle while the high ankle sprain heals. The screw will be taken out after the wound has healed.
  • Ankle Arthroscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive ankle surgery involves making incisions in the ankle and inserting equipment there. An endoscope is a tool that allows the surgeon to see within the ankle joint and project that image onto a screen.
  • Skeletal Fusion Surgery: After surgery, the bones of the skeleton will be fused together, limiting movement in that area. Fusing bones together surgically may help those suffering from the anguish of severe arthritis.
  • Ankle Replacement Surgery: Ankle replacement surgery is offered by some orthopaedic specialists, however the results aren't always as good as they may be.
  • Chopart Amputation: Chopart amputation involves cutting off the forefoot and midfoot while keeping the talus and calcaneus in place, although it shouldn't be done if the foot is experiencing ischemia.
  • Triple Arthrodesis: in triple arthrodesis, the three joints in the foot—the talocalcaneal (TC), talonavicular (TN), and calcaneocuboid (CC) are surgically fused together. The term 'foot fusion' describes this surgical operation. Talonavicular arthrodesis is another name for this procedure.
  • Ponseti Method: An accelerated Ponseti technique, in which the manipulations, five casts, and Achilles tenotomy are all completed in a single week, has been proposed.

Skeletal System Medicines

  • Steroids for reducing inflammation of Skeletal system: Systemic medications, such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, and hydrocortisone, are commonly used to treat bone infections of all types.
  • Analgesics for pain in Skeletal system: Analgesics are pain relievers that also reduce the body's production of prostaglandins. Medicines like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin are within the category of analgesics, which is another name for painkillers. Various skeletal-system pains can be alleviated with their help.
  • Antibiotics for infection in Skeletal system: Antibiotics cure myositis and other bone infections. Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Amoxicillin is a popular antibacterial medication.
  • Nutritional supplements for reducing pain in Skeletal system: Medical specialists recommend glucosamine and chondroitin to relieve joint discomfort and speed skeletal development repair. Calcium and vitamin D, in doses dependent on age and diet, assist optimal bone development and metabolism.
  • Antivirals for treating infection of Skeletal system: Numerous medications, such as amantadine, rimantadine, zanamivir, oseltamivir, ribavirin, acyclovir, ganciclovir, and foscarnet, are included here. Quite a few people regularly use at least one of these drugs.
  • Dmards For Reducing Pain In the skeletal system: Patients with rheumatic diseases are often offered disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medications (DMARDs). These treatments are effective because they stop the disease from developing in the regular way that it would have otherwise.
  • For Reducing Peripheral Pain Of The skeletal system: Pregabalin is prescribed for patients suffering from fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain. When used with other seizure medications, it is also effective in treating partial-onset seizures.
  • Bisphosphonates For Bone Growth of skeletal system: Bone-building Bisphosphonates, sometimes called palmitoyl phosphonate, are a class of drugs known as antiresorptives. They do this by slowing down the bone-resorbing process or stopping it entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are 5 diseases of the skeletal system?

The five diseases of the skeletal system are osteoporosis, rickets, back pain, fractures and osteoarthritis.

What are the most common diseases of the skeletal system?

Rickets, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis are the skeletal system's three most prevalent diseases.

How do you treat bone problems?

Bone problems can be treated by maintaining a healthy weight, doing exercises and taking therapies.

How can skeletal disease be prevented and treated?

Skeletal diseases can be prevented and treated by doing exercises on a daily basis.

What are 4 ways you can improve your skeletal system health?

The four ways to improve skeletal system health are: taking food items rich in vitamin D and calcium, doing exercises, and quitting alcohol.

What kind of conditions affects the skeletal system?

Conditions that affect the skeletal system include Paget’s disease, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

What are 5 ways to care for your skeletal system?

Five ways to care for your skeletal system are: taking a calcium-rich diet, green vegetables, doing exercises, maintaining a healthy weight and including protein in your diet.

Why do we need to take care of our skeletal system?

We can take of our skeletal system by taking green vegetables, doing exercises, including vitamin D and protein in our diet and doing strength training.

Popular Questions & Answers

View All

Hallo sir I am using contact lens some times I ...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Parminder Singh

Ophthalmologist

If you use normal lenses meant for 6 to 8 hours than there would be a problem. There can be a pro...

A person imaging problems which are not there. ...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Varinder Singh Chandhok

Alternative Medicine Specialist

Requires detailed questioning so as to ascertain your personality and to treat you symptomaticall...

Sir actually I watched my mobile excessive so I...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Shreyas Shah

Ophthalmologist

After going through your symptoms and history, you might be suffering from Computer Vision Syndro...

I am 25 years old and I have been masturbating ...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Rishabh Kumar Rana

Sexologist

Hi Mr. lybrate-user, believe me masturbation has got nothing to with your being skeletal! it may ...

Hi Doc, my mother is 70 years old. We got her M...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Jatin Soni

General Physician

There is less blood supply to her brain and hence medication needs to be prescribed after clinica...

Table of content

Content Details
Profile Image
Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
Reviewed By
Profile Image
Reviewed ByDr. Bhupindera Jaswant SinghMD - Consultant PhysicianGeneral Physician

Find Orthopedic Doctor near me

pms_banner
chat_icon

Ask a free question

Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

posted anonymously
lybrate_youtube
lybrate_youtube
lybrate_youtube
lybrate_youtube
lybrate_youtube

Having issues? Consult a doctor for medical advice