Maternal Musculoskeletal System

Question 1

What is the function of the musculoskeletal system?

Answer 1

Support- the skeleton supports our soft tissues and provides skeletal muscle attachment.
Protection- reduces the risk of injuring vital organs.
Movement- muscles contractions → action potential
Stores minerals: like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Stored in bone tissue and released when the body needs it
Blood production: manufactured in the red bone marrow

Question 2

What makes up the structure of the musculoskeletal system?

Answer 2

206 bones, which provide a framework for movement of the body and for the protection of internal organs
Joints which allow two or three dimensional movement of the body
Muscles which enable movement of both the body and the internal organs
Tendons and ligaments which provide attachment between bones and muscles

Question 3

What differences occur in pregnancy with the musculoskeletal system?

Answer 3

Relaxin and Progesterone acts on the cartilage and connective tissue of the many joints which allow them to have more movement. This is useful for the pelvis during childbirth
Pelvis and pelvic girdle pain: when the pelvis is relaxed
Spine and centre of gravity: backache due to the relaxation of the sacroiliac joint
Midwives can advise women to wear low heeled shoes

Question 4

What are the main bones that make up the skeletal system

Answer 4

Clavicle 
Scapula 
Humerus 
Radius 
Ulna 
Femur
Tibia 
Fibula