Skeletal System: Review

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Skeletal System: Support

  • Vertebral column disorders include scoliosis, lordosis, and kyphosis. The skeletal system exists as the framework of the human body that supports the muscles, organs, and tissues of the body. It consists of 206 bones that vary in size, shape, and function. The skeletal system works together as a single unit although the bones possess different functions.
  • Bones can be classified by their shapes: short, flat, irregular, sesamoid, and long. Long bones are generally used to show the major characteristics of bones. Bones are not solid, and their varying characteristics imply the function of that particular bone or part of the tissue.
  • Initial bone formation begins during the first weeks of prenatal development and continues into adulthood. The majority of the bones of the body are endochondral bones. These bones develop from masses of cartilage that are shaped like future bones. Babies are born with more bones than adults because of this process.  The skeletal system is continually being revised to accommodate changing physical needs and stresses during a process called bone remodeling. During this process, cells known as osteoclasts break down and remove the mature bone. This tissue is replaced by new bone created by cells known as osteoblasts. Be sure to check out the bone identification learning objects.

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