When is the skeletal system used




















For information on the interaction of the skeletal and muscular systems, that is, the musculoskeletal system, seek additional content. Bones also protect internal organs from injury by covering or surrounding them. For example, your ribs protect your lungs and heart, the bones of your vertebral column spine protect your spinal cord, and the bones of your cranium skull protect your brain Figure 2.

An orthopedist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders and injuries related to the musculoskeletal system. Some orthopedic problems can be treated with medications, exercises, braces, and other devices, but others may be best treated with surgery Figure 3.

Figure 3. Arm Brace. An orthopedist will sometimes prescribe the use of a brace that reinforces the underlying bone structure it is being used to support. In recent years, orthopedists have even performed prenatal surgery to correct spina bifida, a congenital defect in which the neural canal in the spine of the fetus fails to close completely during embryologic development. Orthopedists commonly treat bone and joint injuries but they also treat other bone conditions including curvature of the spine.

Lateral curvatures scoliosis can be severe enough to slip under the shoulder blade scapula forcing it up as a hump. Spinal curvatures can also be excessive dorsoventrally kyphosis causing a hunch back and thoracic compression.

These curvatures often appear in preteens as the result of poor posture, abnormal growth, or indeterminate causes. Mostly, they are readily treated by orthopedists. As people age, accumulated spinal column injuries and diseases like osteoporosis can also lead to curvatures of the spine, hence the stooping you sometimes see in the elderly. Some orthopedists sub-specialize in sports medicine, which addresses both simple injuries, such as a sprained ankle, and complex injuries, such as a torn rotator cuff in the shoulder.

Treatment can range from exercise to surgery. Figure 4. Supporting ligaments are described according to their position in relation to the capsule extracapsular or intracapsular. Excessive tension on ligaments, such as moving the joint beyond its functional range of movement, can cause them to stretch and may mean they sprain or tear. Ligament damage can compromise joint stability and function. Prolonged disuse of the joint, for example due to immobilisation in a cast or through bed rest, often gives reduced flexibility of the ligaments and tendons, as well as muscular atrophy Tortora and Derrickson, This may lead to reduced mobility of joints and difficulties with functional activity.

Unlike skeletal muscle, smooth and cardiac muscles are not under voluntary control Soames and Palastanga, Skeletal muscle is innervated by the somatic motor nerves to simulate voluntary movement, whereas cardiac and smooth muscles are innervated by the autonomic nervous system. Skeletal muscle The anatomy of skeletal muscle is shown in Fig 1. Skeletal muscle fibre cells are narrow, but can be long Danning, and each fibre has its own connective tissue covering called the endomysium Soames and Palastanga, The muscle fibres are in bundles known as fascicles, which are held together by a layer of connective tissue called the perimysium.

These are grouped together to form muscles, bound by a sheath of fibrous connective tissue known as the epimysium. The epimysium merges with the perimysium to form the muscle tendon, which attaches the muscle to the periosteum of the bone.

The site where tendons and ligaments insert to the bone is known as the enthesis; this is the site commonly affected in seronegative spondyloarthro-pathies for example, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and reactive arthritis.

Seronegative arthropathies are a type of arthritis that do not have rheumatoid factor antibodies. Bursas are fluid-filled sacs located at sites where there may be shearing forces, such as when muscles and tendons pass over, or around the edge of, bone — for example, in the shoulder subacromial bursa or the hip trochanteric bursa Robson and Syndercombe Court, Bursas allow structures to glide smoothly over each other, reducing friction during movement.

Many muscles are named according to their various characteristics, such as: brevis short , longus long , maximus large and minimus small.

Skeletal muscles are antagonistic — they work in opposition to each other to create movement. When skeletal muscle receives a signal from the somatic motor nerve, it shortens, pulling one bone towards the other.

As one muscle in the pair contracts, the other muscle relaxes; the process is then reversed to straighten the bone joint. The neuromuscular junction is the chemical synapse formed between the nerve fibre and the muscle fibre.

The nerve into the synapse between the muscle and the nerve fibre releases acetylcholine, which acts as a chemical neurotransmitter to convey the electrical impulse from the nerve to the receptors in the muscle. During surgery, the neuromuscular junction is an important site for drug action, as blocking the acetylcholine receptors provides a neuromuscular blockade that causes muscle paralysis.

Skeletal muscle performs best when it is used regularly, and the use of targeted training or exercise can improve its endurance and power. Likewise, loss of muscle mass atrophy , such as a decrease in muscle size and strength, may occur due to inactivity or factors such as poor nutrition or chronic illness.

Muscles and joints are an important part of the musculoskeletal system. The structure of articulating surfaces and the type of connective tissues play a significant role in the range and plane of movement permitted at the joint.

Skeletal muscles are responsible for movement and posture, and work best when used regularly to prevent atrophy. Pathology affecting the joints can have a significant impact on function and range of movement — understanding how pathology affects the musculoskeletal system allows practitioners to address signs and symptoms, and proactively promote musculoskeletal health.

Tagged with: Newly qualified nurses: systems of life. Sign in or Register a new account to join the discussion. You are here: Orthopaedics. Skeletal system 2: structure and function of the musculoskeletal system. Abstract Understanding the structure and purpose of the musculoskeletal system enables practitioners to understand common pathophysiology and consider the most appropriate steps to improve musculoskeletal health.

This article has been double-blind peer reviewed Scroll down to read the article or download a print-friendly PDF here if the PDF fails to fully download please try again using a different browser Assess your knowledge and gain CPD evidence by taking the Nursing Times Self-assessment test Read part 1 of this series here.

Key points The musculoskeletal system comprises bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles that form a framework for the body The structure of a joint determines its plane and range of movement Maintaining a healthy diet and physical exercise are essential for good musculoskeletal health Musculoskeletal pathophysiology can significantly reduce functional ability and quality of life Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system allows practitioners to consider signs and symptoms, and determine appropriate management.

London: Red Globe Press. Some orthopedic problems can be treated with medications, exercises, braces, and other devices, but others may be best treated with surgery Figure 6. In recent years, orthopedists have even performed prenatal surgery to correct spina bifida, a congenital defect in which the neural canal in the spine of the fetus fails to close completely during embryologic development.

Orthopedists commonly treat bone and joint injuries but they also treat other bone conditions including curvature of the spine. Lateral curvatures scoliosis can be severe enough to slip under the shoulder blade scapula forcing it up as a hump. Spinal curvatures can also be excessive dorsoventrally kyphosis causing a hunch back and thoracic compression. These curvatures often appear in preteens as the result of poor posture, abnormal growth, or indeterminate causes.

Mostly, they are readily treated by orthopedists. As people age, accumulated spinal column injuries and diseases like osteoporosis can also lead to curvatures of the spine, hence the stooping you sometimes see in the elderly. Some orthopedists sub-specialize in sports medicine, which addresses both simple injuries, such as a sprained ankle, and complex injuries, such as a torn rotator cuff in the shoulder. Treatment can range from exercise to surgery.

The major functions of the skeletal system are body support, facilitation of movement, protection of internal organs, storage of minerals and fat, and blood cell formation. Skip to content Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: List and describe the functions of the skeletal system Attribute specific functions of the skeletal system to specific components or structures. Career Connection — Orthopedist An orthopedist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders and injuries related to the musculoskeletal system.

Figure 6. Section Review The major functions of the skeletal system are body support, facilitation of movement, protection of internal organs, storage of minerals and fat, and blood cell formation. Review Questions. Critical Thinking Questions Suppose your red bone marrow could not be formed. What functions would your body not be able to perform?

Suppose your osseous tissue could not store calcium.



0コメント

  • 1000 / 1000