1. The Skeletal System

2. Functions of the Skeleton
The skeletal system has five main functions:
Support
Protection
Movement – with the help of tendons, ligaments, muscles
Storage of minerals – calcium and phosphorous
Red blood cell production – Red bone marrow

3. Types of Bones
Long bones – long shaft with compact bone in the middle and spongy bone at either end (with red bone marrow)
Function
Major weight bearing bones
e.g. femur

4. Short bones – chunky, compact bone
Short bones – chunky, compact bone. Strong and reinforced by thickening of bone tissue
Function:
Allows variety of movement
e.g. carpals and tarsals
Note: The metacarpals and phalanges are long bones

5. Flat bones – two strong layers of compact bone joined by layer of spongy bone
Function
protection of internal organs e.g. sternum and ribs protect heart and lungs
large area of muscle attachment e.g. scapula

6. Irregular Bones – made up of thin layer of compact bone containing a mass of spongy bone
Reinforced where extra strength is needed
E.g. vertebrae

7. Sesamoid Bones – where a bone is embedded within a tendon or muscle E
Sesamoid Bones – where a bone is embedded within a tendon or muscle E.g. the patella is embedded within the quadriceps tendon

9. The Vertebral Column 7 Cervical (neck) 12 Thoracic (chest)
5 Lumbar (lower back)
Sacrum (5 fused)
Coccyx (4 fused)