The Musculoskeletal System

Question 1

What are the functions of bones?

Answer 1

Provide framework
Attach to muscles and tendons
Allow movement
Form boundaries - cranium, thorax and pelvis
Protect organs
Haemopoiesis - production of blood cells in red bone marrow
Mineral storage

Question 2

What are the 5 basic tissues comprising the MSK system?

Answer 2

Bones
Ligaments
Cartilage
Tendons
Skeletal muscles

Question 3

What are the key components of a long bone?

Answer 3

Shaft (diaphysis) - compact bone
2 extremities (epiphysis) - spongy bone
Vascular membrane (periosteum) - 2 layers - outer = tough/fibrous to protect bone underneath
Inner = contains bone cells for bone reproduction and breakdown, repair and remodelling
Epiphysis has own blood supply

Question 4

What are the structures like for short, irregular, flat and sesamoid bones?

Answer 4

Thin outer layer of compact bone with sponges bone inside containing red bone marrow
Enclosed by periosteum

Question 5

What are the functions of the vertebral column?

Answer 5

Protect the spinal cord
Provide structural support and balance to maintain an upright posture
Enable flexible motion

Question 6

How many bones in the vertebral column?

Answer 6

26
7 in cervical vertebrae
12 for thoracic vertebrae
5 in lumbar vertebrae
1 sacrum
1 coccyx

Question 7

What is function and structure of cartilaginous joints?

Answer 7

Formed by a pad of tough fibrocartilage
Acts as a shock absorber
Permit limited movement

Question 8

What is the structure and function of a synovial joint?

Answer 8

Space between the articulating bones
The ends of bones are held close together by fibrous tissue and lubricated with a small amount of fluid
Moveable

Question 9

What are the 6 types of synovial joints?

Answer 9

Ball and socket
Hinge
Gliding
Pivot
Condyloid
Saddle

Question 10

What is ossification and its 3 stages?

Answer 10

Process of bone formation
Proliferation, maturation, mineralisation