Introduction to the musculoskeletal system

Question 1

a. classify bones according to their shape and relate this to their function and clinical significance

Answer 1

Long bones- To classify a bone as long, the length of the bone must be greater than its width

Short bones - Roughly equal in length and width - They are to provide strength to the structure

Flat bones- Thin and flat. -They are protective bones and provide large surface areas on which muscles and tendons attach

Sesamoid bones protects the tendon

Irregular bones Don’t fit into any other category

Question 2

b. classify joints and relate their structure to their function

Answer 2

Fibrous joints

• There is no/limited movement
• Present in the skull, and hold teeth in position
• In between each bone is dense fibrous connective tissue which cannot rotate

Cartilaginous joints
-Permit slight mobility, mainly found between vertebrae

Synovial joint

• The synovial fluid acts as a lubricant
• The cartilage is resistant to compression
• The synovial membrane secretes synovial fluid

Question 3

c. describe the anatomical organisation of the skeleton

Answer 3

The skeletonIs made up of two parts, axial and appendicular skeleton

Axial skeleton

• The skullVertebral columnRibs and sternum
• The principle function is to protect the spinal cord, heart and lungs
• It provides a large surface area for the attachment of the muscles which move the skeleton

Appendicular skeleton

• The upper limbs and lower limbs
• Designed for movement

Question 4

d. explain the basic principles of muscle anatomy

Answer 4

A muscle will have a central fleshy part (the belly)
During contraction the muscle will move one bone relative to another
A muscle tendon unit will pass from one bone to another across a joint to facilitate its movement

The end of the muscle which remains stationary is the origin
The movable end is known as the insertion
The proximal end is usually the stationaryThe distal end is usually the movable end

Muscles work in antagonistic pairs:
The prime mover (agonist) generates the basic movement
The antagonist controls the movement

Question 5

the importance of Muscle compartments

Answer 5

Compartments have a common action, common innervation (nerve supply) and common arterial supply