Skeletal Overview

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Skeletal Overview Objectives

Describe skeletal system functions and the system’s organs, tissues, and cells.
Compare the human skeleton to the skeletons of other species.
Explain how the bones of the spinal column are structured and relate this to basic mechanics of picking up heavy objects to avoid a “slipped disc” or other injury.

The skeletal system and its bone organs has several basic functions. How many can you list?

This video introduces the skeleton’s basic functions and supporting structures.

This video introduces the specific bones you need to know for this course.

Need to see this poster further? There is an additional video (in a hailstorm) on this guide’s resource page.

Skeletal Resources

The human skull may be the most recognizable part of the human skeleton. Our skull includes a cranial vault protecting the brain and elaborate facial bones. The hinged jaw is split into two parts: the upper maxilla, and the lower mandible.

Bone architecture often has spongy bone on the ends and compact bone in the middle. Spongy bone is more flexible and less likely to break than compact bone. It has other important attributes discussed in the next video.

Vertebrates are animals with backbones and this includes fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Our skeletons are similar because we share common ancestry; it can be surprising to see how similar we are on an anatomical level.

Human backbones need to strong enough to support our large heads and upright posture, as well as flexible enough to allow a wide range of movements.

Unfortunately, many people develop back disorders over time. Besides chronic (recurring, long-term) headaches/migraines, chronic back pain is the leading cause of pain worldwide. People often mention a “cervical injury” or “lumbar pain,” this video shows where these occur on our spine.

Back pain can be due to small fractures in the vertebral bones, but it can also be caused by damage to the disc padding between the vertebrae. This has a variety of names, including a herniated disc, a slipped disc, or a disc prolapse.

The best option is to not pick up something that is very heavy. Although there is some support that the distribution of weight and posture during lifting may minimize spinal damage; factors like individual musculature, tendons/ligaments, and balance impact lifting. Because of this, what may work for one person, may not for another. Also changing factors like inflammation or muscle fatigue may change an individual’s ability to lift weight at different times. Using dedicated work equipment like a mechanical lift can be critical in minimizing back impact, including repetitive use injuries. If lifting weights as a part of exercise, take care with posture, minimally increase weights over time, consider daily wellness, and seek assistance for heavier weight-lifting activities.

The next section goes into further detail on bone structure.

Check your knowledge. Can you:

describe skeletal system functions and the system’s organs, tissues, and cells?
compare the human skeleton to the skeletons of other species?
explain how the bones of the spinal column are structured and relate this to basic mechanics of picking up heavy objects to avoid a “slipped disc” or other injury?