Musculoskeletal system

Musculoskeletal System: Structure and Functions

The musculoskeletal system is one of the most important systems in the human body. It includes the bones, muscles, and bone joints that work together to provide movement and support to the body. In this article we will look at what the musculoskeletal system consists of and what functions it performs.

Bones

The skeletal system, or skeleton, consists of approximately 206 bones that give the body its external configuration, appearance, and rigidity. Bones also protect internal organs, store mineral salts, and produce blood cells. Bones are composed primarily of water and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, as well as osteoin, a substance that gives bones its hardness and strength.

Bones are in a constant process of development and destruction. Osteoblasts, the cells that build new bone, and osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone to keep it from becoming too thick, work together to keep bones healthy and strong.

Bone development and strength depend on vitamins D, which regulate the metabolism of calcium necessary for muscle function. Fish oil, tuna meat, milk and eggs are especially rich in calciferol. Also, the ultraviolet rays of the sun promote the absorption of vitamin D.

The bones of the skull are involved in chewing food, the bones of the cranial skull protect the brain, and the ribs together with the sternum form the rib cage, which is necessary to protect the internal organs.

Muscles

The musculoskeletal system includes more than 400 muscles that cover the skeleton and, together with the bones and their joints, make movement possible. Some muscles, such as those of the veins and arteries, are not connected to the motor system and provide the flow of blood pumped by the heart.

Facial muscles allow us to make various facial expressions, such as laughter, anger, etc. The biceps brachii muscle, together with its antagonist, the triceps brachii muscle, provides flexion and extension of the forearm. The external oblique muscles of the abdomen allow the contraction to push air out of the lungs, which is the opposite of the work of the diaphragm, which is not visible here, since it is located inside the abdominal cavity. The quadriceps femoris muscle allows for extension and flexion of the hip, and the ankle sphincter muscle allows the foot to be raised and lowered.

Muscles work together to create movement and are controlled by the nervous system. When a nerve impulse reaches a muscle, it contracts, resulting in movement.

Bone connections

Bone joints, or joints, allow bones to move relative to each other. There are several types of joints, from simple ball-and-socket joints in the shoulder and hip to more complex joints in the knee and elbow.

Joints contain synovial fluid, which provides lubrication and nutrition to the joint surface. When a joint moves, synovial fluid is distributed across the surface of the joint, reducing friction between the bones.

Some bone connections, such as those in the spine, allow the bones to move only to a limited extent, providing stability and protection to the spinal cord.

conclusions

The musculoskeletal system is an important part of the human body that provides movement and support. Bones, muscles, and bone joints work together to provide movement and protection to organs. Maintaining a healthy musculoskeletal system includes proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and injury prevention.