The Skeletal System

The Skeletal System

Human beings rely a lot upon the support that the skeletal system gives us. We require the sturdiness and protection it provides us. The skeletal system is made up of bones, ligaments, and cartilage. This is all held up by the spine which lets us stand upright. The skeletal system is what makes up about 20% of the human body weight and is incredibly important for our survival. Bones provide protection for the body as they are sturdy and difficult to break compared to the other parts of our body. For example, the ribs protect the heart and the lungs from external damage. This article will break down the parts and importance of the skeletal system.

Overview of the Skeleton

An average adult’s skeleton contains 206 bones although a child’s skeleton contains more. This is because some bones,such as those in the skull, combine from multiple pieces into a singular bone as the child matures from childhood to adulthood. The difference between male skeletons and female skeletons is also very apparent. The male skeleton has more bone mass and is also longer. The female skeleton has a broader pelvis for reproductive purposes. The skeletal system has two parts which are the axial skeleton system and the appendicular skeletal system. These two parts can be found regardless of age or sex and are both individually important for the body.

Axial Skeletal System

An average adult’s skeleton contains 206 bones although a child’s skeleton contains more. This is because some bones ,such as those in the skull, combine from multiple pieces into a singular bone as the child matures from childhood to adulthood. The difference between male skeletons and female skeletons is also very apparent. The male skeleton has more bone mass and is also longer. The female skeleton has a broader pelvis for reproductive purposes. The skeletal system has two parts which are the axial skeleton system and the appendicular skeletal system. These two parts can be found regardless of age or sex and are both individually important for the body.mn which are all the spine bones combined to create the spine. The last part is the rib cage which helps protect the heart and the lungs. Each part is important for everyday life and helps us function.

Appendicular Skeletal System

The appendicular skeleton consists of 126 bones and includes the bones of the arms and legs. The axial system is divided up into four parts. The first part is the pectoral girdle which connects the arms to the axial skeleton. This part is made up of the collarbone and scapula and there are two pectoral girdles, one for each arm. Next there are the upper limbs. Each arm contains 30 bones and are broken up into the parts of the humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. Next there is the pelvic girdle which contains the ilium, ischium and Pubis which connects the legs to the axial skeletal system. Finally there are the legs which are composed of the Femur, Tibia, Fibula, Patella, Tarsals, Metatarsals and Phalanges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the skeleton is one of the most important parts of the entire body. It helps the body survive and function by giving the body a structure. It helps in every system from the cardiovascular system to the nervous system to the digestive system as without the skeletal system these systems wouldn’t have the support they need to survive. Without the skeletal system, Humans wouldn’t be able to survive. The skeletal system is important and especially needed in the body.