Chapter 6, Problem 6.1.1AYLO

Components of the skeletal system, including but not limited to the bones

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The components of skeletal system.

Introduction:

The skeletal system provides the overall structure to the body. The bones, cartilages, ligaments and tendons make up the skeletal system. The ligaments are the structures that join two bones together. The tendons join the muscles to the bones. The foremost functions of the skeletal system are to provide physical support and to protect inner delicate organs of the body.

Answer to Problem 6.1.1AYLO

The components of skeletal system are cartilage, tendons, joints and ligaments.

Explanation of Solution

The skeletal system is the system that provides shape, structure, protection to the body. It also plays a major part in the maintenance of the electrolyte balance of the body. The blood cell lineages are also produced by the hematopoietic cells present in the bone marrow of the bones. The movement and locomotion of the body is possible only by the virtue of bones in the body.

The skeletal system is mainly made up of bones but other than the bones there are components like;

1. Cartilage:

   The cells that make up the cartilage are known as the chondrocytes. The chondrocytes together form the fibrous connective tissue in integration with the gelatinous matrix called chondrin. The presence of this rubbery gelatinous matrix makes the cartilage very flexible and this flexibility support the structures like nose, ears, trachea etc. There are three kinds of cartilage: hyaline cartilage that forms bone, fibrous cartilage that is present in the joint capsules and elastic cartilage that are found in the external ear.

2. Tendons:

   Tendons are also the fibrous connective tissue that connects bone to the muscle. The property to withstand tension is the characteristic feature of a tendon.

3. Joints:

   The portion of the body where two skeletal structures especially the bones join is known as a joint. The joints usually facilitate the movement of the bones. According to the structures, the joints can be divided as the fibrous, synovial and cartilaginous joints. The functional classifications of the joints include the immovable joints, slightly movable joints and the freely movable joints.

4. Ligaments:

   The structures that join bone to a bone are called as the ligaments. These are also a form of fibrous connective tissue.

Thus, the above mentioned components are the components of the skeletal system other than the bones.

Conclusion

Thus, the components of skeletal system are cartilage, tendons, joints and ligaments.