Exploring Problems with the Skeletal System 1.8 Flashcards
What is the skeletal system made up of?
Bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and muscles.
How many bones are in the skeletal system?
206
What do bones contain?
Collagen
What does collagen enable the bones to do?
To bend a little.
What can bone breaks and fractures be treated with?
By covering the limb with a plaster cast of glass fibre.
What does the cast do in order for the bone to heal?
It holds the bone in place while a new bone knits the broken ends together.
What do more severe fractures require?
They require metal pins fastening through the broken bones to hold them in place while healing takes place.
What is an open fracture?
One in which the skin is broken.
An open fracture has a much lower risk of infection usually doesn’t require surgery. True or False?
False
What is the age, approximately, when the density of bones decreases naturally?
35
If the density in bones decrease before a healthy age, what does this make the bones prone to?
Fractures
What is the skeletal system?
The skeleton, ligaments, skeletal muscles and tendons
What is a fracture?
Broken bone
What is osteoporosis?
Disease in which the density of bones drops below a healthy level and bones become fragile, making them prone to fractures.
What is arthritis?
Painful disease of the joints
What is the treatment to osteoporosis?
Treatment for osteoporosis includes taking drugs to strengthen the bones.
Explain what happens when you have arthritis.
The cartilage at the end of the bones wear away and bones rub together.
What happens to the worn joint in severe cases?
The worn bone gets replaced with an artificial bone.
What is happening as technology is improving?
Diagnosis of fractures by X-rays has become more precise.
Surgical techniques have also improved recovery from serious fractures.
What is happening as scientists are learning more about osteoporosis?
They can advise on how to avoid this disease.
What is happening as scientists are learning more about genes?
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.
