Musculoskeltal system and movement - Structure and function of skeleton

The skeleton is split into two parts. The axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.

THE AXIAL SKELETON

The axial skeleton is made up from the core parts of the body, such as the skull bones, the ossicles (tiny bones) of the middle ear, the hyoid bone, the rib cage, sternum and the vertebral column.It has 80 bones total. 

It has 2 main functions – to protect the vital organs and the create a surface for the attachment of muscles. 

THE APPENDICULAR SKELETON

The appendicular skeleton is different. It is basically the rest of the body (like arms and legs and stuff).

The appendicular skeleton is the portion of the skeleton of vertebrates consisting of the bones that support the appendages. 

 (Vertebrates means something that has a spine)

(Appendages means something attached to something of larger importance. Like a leg or an arm)

It is made up on 126 bones 

4 bones in the shoulder

6 bones in the arm and forearm 

58 bones in the hands

2 pelvis bones

8 bones in the legs 

56 bones in the feet. 

CARTILAGE

Cartilage is a firm but elastic material made up on cartilage cells called chondrocytes. They secrete a hard, rubbery matrix around themselves. It also secretes collagen fibres that embedded in the matrix to strengthen it. These cells live in small cavities in the matrix called lacunae. No blood,…