Skeleton - structure and functions

Skeleton

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Axial skeleton:

> skull

> thoracic cage

> spine

Appendicular skeleton:

> shoulder girdle

> upper limbs

> pervic girdle

> lower limbs 

Bone types

Flat - they are long, wide and flat

examples: cranial bones, sternum, ribs, scapula

Short - they resemble a cube in shape, their dimensions are similar

examples: tarsus, carpus

Irregular - they have an irregular shape, protrusions and depressions

examples: sacrum, vertebrae

Long - their length is greater than their thickness and width

examples: humerus, ulna, radius, metacarpus, femur, fibula, tibia

The long bone consists of an epiphysis and a shaft (diaphysis). The epiphysis are made of spongy bone, and the shaft is made of compact bone. Outside the bone there is a periosteum - the membrane that feeds the bone. The shafts of the bones are covered with articular cartilage , which protects them from abrasion. Inside the bone is a medullary cavity filled with bone marrow.

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Skeleton functions:

• protects the organs • it is the site of muscle attachment • produces blood cells (e.g. erythrocytes are formed in the red bone marrow) • determines the shape of the body • stores mineral salts