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The skeletal system has five key functions: (1) protection of vital internal
organs, (2) providing for support for the muscles and tissues of the body,
(3) instruments of movement of the joints initiated by muscles, (4)
creation of blood cells, and (5) energy storage.
There are two parts of the skeletal system; the axial skeleton (skull,
spine, sternum and ribs) and the appendicular skeleton (upper and lower
extremities, pectoral and pelvic bones). These two skeletons are made
up of 206 bones with over half of these bones found in the hands and
feet.
The axial skeleton, making up 80 of the 206 bones, includes all upper
body bones. It is subdivided into three groups: the skull, the vertebral
column, and the bony thorax. The main functions of this skeleton are to
protect vital organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs, and to provide a
competent structure for movement.
The skeletal system contributes to the maintenance of homeostasis by serving as an important mineral reserve. If blood
levels of calcium or magnesium are low and the minerals are not available in the diet, they will be taken from the bones.
Also, the skeletal system provides calcium needed for all muscular contraction. Red blood cells, lymphocytes and other
cells relating to the immune response are produced and stored in the bone marrow.
• The Humerus bone makes up the upper arm between the elbow and the shoulder. It is attached to the lateral
end of the scapula, articulating there in a ball joint. Distally, it attaches to the ulna in a hinge joint. The
humerus enables the upper extremity to reach, pull, lift, push and rotate objects.
• Radius and Ulna: The radius is the lateral bone of the forearm (located on the thumb side); Ulna is the medial
bone of the forearm (located on the little finger side). The ulna's function is flexion and extension while the
function of the radius is supination and pronation (rotation).
• Wrist and hand: The wrist bones are known as the carpals; the hand bones include the metacarpals and
phalanges. The carpal bones allow the wrist to flex, extend, supinate and pronate. The wrist is considered a
hinge joint.
• Femur: or thigh bone is the largest and strongest bone in the human body. It articulates with the hip at
the hip joint and the bones of the lower leg at the knee joint. It functions by providing support to the
entire skeletal system and provides movement to the lower limbs.
• Knee joint: is an articulation point between 3 bones: the femur, tibia and fibula. The joint is held together
by anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments and provides motion for the lower leg.
• Tibia and fibula: The tibia or shin bone is the larger of the 2 bones and is the weight bearing bone. The
fibula is parallel and lateral to the tibia and helps stabilize the ankle joint.
• Ankle and foot: The tarsal bones are a group of bones that make up the ankle. The type of joint is a
synovial hinge joint. The foot is made up of Metatarsal bones and phalange bones. The first metatarsal
(which adjoins the phalanges of the big toe) is enlarged and strengthened for its weight-bearing function
in standing and walking on two feet.