Post on 03-Jan-2016
Skeletal System Overview
A newborn baby has 305 bones. As a human develops to the age of 25, some bones
fuse together to obtain maximum strength. The average human skeleton has 206 bones. Largest bones – Thigh (Femur) and the Upper Arm
(Humerus). Smallest bones – Middle Ear (Maleus, Incus and
Stapes). All bones are living organs, which contain living (cells)
and non-living (mineral) materials.
Functions of Bones
Bones have 5 major functions:Support – Provide support for tendons and ligaments and the framework for body shape.Protection – The cranium protects your brain, the ribs and sternum protect your internal organs such as heart and lungs.Movement – Bones work with muscles to produce movement. Muscles are attached to the skeleton and work by contracting (shortening) and pulling on bones.Storage – Bones are the site for storage and release of excess minerals. These are released as the body requires.Blood production – Some bones (ribs, vertebrae, humerus and femur) contain red bone marrow. This makes red cells, white cells and platelets for blood.
Cranium
Mandible
Clavicle
Sternum
Ribs
Radius
Ulna
Carpals
Metacarpals
Femur
Tibia
TarsalsMetatarsals
Patella
Fibula
Pelvis
Vertebrae
Humerus
Scapula
Phalanges
Phalanges