Introduction to Bone
Objectives
- Students will be able to define bone, cartilage, and the skeletal system.
- Students will be able to list and describe the functions of the skeletal system.
- Students will be able to classify bones according to their shapes.
- Students will be able to describe the function of each category of bones.
The skeletal system forms the rigid internal framework of the body. It consists of the bones, cartilages, and ligaments. Bones support the weight of the body, allow for body movements, and protect internal organs. Without the skeleton the rest of the human muscles organs and skin would be just a big blob barely moving around on the floor. As the muscles contract they need the bones as levers to pull against for movement. Thus, without a skeleton, you would not be able to stand, run, or even feed yourself!
Bone is a living, changing tissue. Bone grows as we grow, but is not stagnant once we reach maturity. Bone tissue has blood vessels running through it, feeding it needed nutrients to build new protein scaffolding and add the minerals for added hardness. Specialized cells in bone tear down and build up bone constantly, so that over a ten-year span our bone has completely been replaced and we don't have the same bone we had 10 years ago!
Bone Function
Bone, or osseous tissue (OS-ē-us) is a hard, dense connective tissue that forms most of the adult skeleton, the support structure of the body. In the areas of the skeleton where bones move (for example, the ribcage and joints), cartilage, a semi-rigid form of connective tissue, provides flexibility and smooth surfaces for movement. The skeletal system is the body system composed of bones and cartilage and performs the following critical functions for the human body:
- supports the body
- facilitates movement
- protects internal organs
- produces blood cells
- stores and releases minerals and fat.
