Exploring Problems with the Skeletal System 1.8

Question 1

What is the skeletal system made up of?

Answer 1

Bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and muscles.

Question 2

How many bones are in the skeletal system?

Answer 2

206

Question 3

What do bones contain?

Answer 3

Collagen

Question 4

What does collagen enable the bones to do?

Answer 4

To bend a little.

Question 5

What can bone breaks and fractures be treated with?

Answer 5

By covering the limb with a plaster cast of glass fibre.

Question 6

What does the cast do in order for the bone to heal?

Answer 6

It holds the bone in place while a new bone knits the broken ends together.

Question 7

What do more severe fractures require?

Answer 7

They require metal pins fastening through the broken bones to hold them in place while healing takes place.

Question 8

What is an open fracture?

Answer 8

One in which the skin is broken.

Question 9

An open fracture has a much lower risk of infection usually doesn’t require surgery. True or False?

Answer 9

False

Question 10

What is the age, approximately, when the density of bones decreases naturally?

Answer 10

35

Question 11

If the density in bones decrease before a healthy age, what does this make the bones prone to?

Answer 11

Fractures

Question 12

What is the skeletal system?

Answer 12

The skeleton, ligaments, skeletal muscles and tendons

Question 13

What is a fracture?

Answer 13

Broken bone

Question 14

What is osteoporosis?

Answer 14

Disease in which the density of bones drops below a healthy level and bones become fragile, making them prone to fractures.

Question 15

What is arthritis?

Answer 15

Painful disease of the joints

Question 16

What is the treatment to osteoporosis?

Answer 16

Treatment for osteoporosis includes taking drugs to strengthen the bones.

Question 17

Explain what happens when you have arthritis.

Answer 17

The cartilage at the end of the bones wear away and bones rub together.

Question 18

What happens to the worn joint in severe cases?

Answer 18

The worn bone gets replaced with an artificial bone.

Question 19

What is happening as technology is improving?

Answer 19

Diagnosis of fractures by X-rays has become more precise.

Surgical techniques have also improved recovery from serious fractures.

Question 20

What is happening as scientists are learning more about osteoporosis?

Answer 20

They can advise on how to avoid this disease.

Question 21

What is happening as scientists are learning more about genes?

Answer 21

The diagnosis of genetic conditions affecting the skeletal system is now possible.
Genetic counselling allows parents at risk of passing on a condition to be informed of the risks and consequences.