Anatomy - the skeletal system - functions and qualities

Question 1

what are the functions of the skeleton?

Answer 1

1. support/structure/shape
2. protection
3. movement
   4.production/haematopoiesis
4. storage

Question 2

elaborate on
1. support/structure shape

Answer 2

without a skeleton we would have no form

Question 3

elaborate on
2. protection

Answer 3

bones protect the organs it surrounds from damage

Question 4

elaborate on
3. movement

Answer 4

skeletal muscles attach to bones and its through their contractions that movement is created

Question 5

elaborate on
4. production/haematopoiesis

Answer 5

bones contain cavities with red bone marrow, which produces blood cells and platelets

Question 6

elaborate on
5. storage

Answer 6

minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are taken into the bone and stored and released. fat is also stored/ released to be used as a source of energy when needed

Question 7

How can the bones change?

Answer 7

1. grow and develop
2. be repaired following an injury
3. remodel our bones daily

Question 8

elaborate on
1. grow and develop

Answer 8

babies start off with cartilage and as they grow, bones take over the connective tissue and account for 30-40% of body mass in an adult

Question 9

elaborate on
2. be repaired following an injury/daily wear

Answer 9

bones break under heavy load, however is efficient with self repair (e.g. typically it takes a month of rest for a fracture to heal)

Question 10

elaborate on
3. remodel our bones every day

Answer 10

aside from genetics - sleep, nutrition, mental load and movement influence bone density.

Question 11

how bones change can be summarised by what law?

Answer 11

Wolf’s law - that the bone will always adapt according to the demands placed on it