Overview of the Musculo-Skeletal System
⁃Major organs/ tissues associated with the musculo-skeletal system include: muscle tissues, ligaments, tendons, fascia, etc.
-Muscle tissues are able to generate signals that create force and movement within the body. All muscles are linked to the brain and spinal cord by nerves.
-Bones within the body that make up the skeleton protect and support the function of other organs in the body. They store minerals, provide blood protection, and produce red and white blood cells.
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Location of the system within the body:
-The system is located all throughout the body. Each individual has over 600 muscles; therefore the musculo-skeletal system needs to be active throughout the entire body for a person to function correctly. The system plays a major role in the shoulder, arm, elbow, hand, pelvis, hip, foot, etc.
Role of the entire system within the body:
-The system is essentially a scaffold which supports the body's organ, anchors the muscles, and offers additional protection to internal organs like the brain and heart.
-The skeleton has several functions apart from support and protection: the joints permit movement, the bone marrow produces red and white blood cells, bone cell release osteocalcin (a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and fat deposition) and the skeletal matrix stores calcium. Bone marrow stores iron and is involved in metabolozing iron.
-There are three types of muscles: cardiac, skeletal, and smooth. smooth muscles are used to control the flow of substances within hollow organs, and are not mentally controlled. Only skeletal and smooth muscles are part of the musculoskeletal system and only the skeletal muscles cane move the body. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and arranged in opposing groups around joints.
Role of each organ within the system:
-Spine has a mechanical purpose: twisting, bending, and holding people erect. It also provides an avenue through the spinal cord for your brain to communicate with the rest of your body.
-Tendons are tought cords that attach muscles to bones. They transmit tension from muscle to bone, thereby producing motion. They also provide strength as they connect muscle to bone, and they work with muscles to enable harsh movement.
-Ligaments are tough tissue that connects bones directly to other bones. They stabilize and support joints by holding the bones in place.
-Fascia is a thin, gelatinous membrane that surrounds and is fused with the bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and organs throughout the body. Superficial fascia lies just beneath the skin. Deep fascia is slightly tougher and more compact. It supports, connects, and compartmentalizes the different body parts and is especially enmeshed within the muscular system.
~The Musculo-Skeletal system is connected and related to almost every other system in the body. This is because the musculo-skeletal system provides the base and support for all these other systems, or is even an active participant (such as the role it plays in metabolism, storing calcium, and generating blood cells).