By: Kristin Cohen & Clare McGrath

W HAT IS THE SKELETAL SYSTEM ? Your Skeletal system is all of the bones in the body and the tissues such as tendons, ligaments and cartilage that connect them. Your teeth are also considered part of your skeletal system but they are not counted as bones. Your teeth are made of enamel and dentin. Enamel is the strongest substance in your body.

H OW DOES THE SKELETAL SYSTEM HELP US ? Support: *The main job of the skeleton is to provide support for our body. Protection *Your skeleton also helps protect your internal organs and fragile body tissues. (brain, eyes, heart, lungs and spinal cord) *Your skull protects your brain and eyes. the ribs protect your heart and lungs and your vertebrae (spine, backbones) protect your spinal cord. Movement *Bones provide the structure for muscles to attach so that our bodies are able to move.

W HAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF THE SKELETAL SYSTEM ? Major Functions: 1: Produces red blood cells. 2: Stores needed materials until you body needs them. 3: Provides shape and support. 4: Protects your internal organs. 5: Enables you to move. Minor functions:

S KELETAL ORGANS WITH DESCRIPTION The skeletal system only provides attachment sites for organs.

S OME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE SKELETAL SYSTEM When you were born you had over 300 bones. As you grow some of these bones begin to fuse together. As a result, an adult has only 206 bones. The human hand has 27 bones; your face has 14! Humans and giraffes have the same amount of bones in their necks. After death, cartilage rots faster than bone. This is why the skulls of skeletons have no nose or ears.

S OME DISEASES FOR THE SKELETAL SYSTEM Spina bifida: the spinal cord does not form properly and the vertebrae and skin cannot form around it. Scurvy : caused by lack of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the diet. any wound he or she might have heals poorly. The person also bruises easily. The mouth and gums become sore. The gums bleed, and the teeth may become loose. Patients lose their appetite, their joints become sore, and they become restless. Arthritis : Victims of arthritis suffer pain, stiffness, and swelling in their joints. Scoliosis : a side-to-side curve of the spine.

S OME QUESTIONS FOR THE CLASS How do bones heal? What is a bone made of? Are bones alive? explain.

A NSWERS How do bones heal? bones are made of living cells. When a bone is broken your bone will produce lots of new cells to rebuild the bone. These cells cover both ends of the broken part of the bone and close up the break. What is a bone made of? Bones have outer layers of hard or compact bone, Inside this is a layer of spongy bone, which is lighter and slightly flexible. In the middle of some bones is bone marrow, where new cells are constantly being produced for the blood. Are bones alive? Explain. Yes, bones are alive and have their own nerves and blood vessels, and they do various jobs, such as storing body minerals like calcium. Bones are made of a mix of hard stuff that gives them strength and tons of living cells which help them grow and repair themselves.

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