Skeletal System

The skeletal system is a complex framework of bones and connective tissues that provides structural support to the human body, facilitates movement, and serves as a protective enclosure for vital organs. It consists of 206 bones in the adult human that are connected by joints, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. The skeletal system can be categorized into two main parts: the axial skeleton, which includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, and the appendicular skeleton, comprising the limb bones and girdles. Bones also serve as a reservoir for minerals, particularly calcium and phosphorus, and contain bone marrow, where blood cells are produced.

Functionally, this system is critical not only for mobility, leveraged by muscles attaching to bones via tendons, but also for the protection of internal organs, like the brain within the skull and the heart and lungs within the rib cage. Pathologically, it can be affected by a variety of conditions, including osteoporosis, fractures, and arthritis, which can significantly impair its role and lead to clinical interventions. Advances in medical science have improved the treatment and management of skeletal system disorders, emphasizing the importance of maintaining bone health through proper nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices.