Musculoskeletal System
Learning Objectives
When completing this chapter, the learner will be able to do the following:
- Identify the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system
- Describe the main functions of the musculoskeletal system
- Spell the medical terms of the musculoskeletal system and use correct abbreviations
- Pronounce the medical terms of the musculoskeletal system and use correct abbreviations
- Identify the medical specialties associated with the musculoskeletal system
- Explore common diseases, disorders, and procedures related to the musculoskeletal system
Introduction
The skeletal system forms the framework of the body. It is the body system composed of bones, cartilage, and ligaments. Each bone serves a particular function and varies in size, shape, and strength. Bones are weight-bearing structures in your body and can therefore change in thickness as you gain or lose weight. The skeletal system performs the following critical functions for the human body:
- supports the body
- facilitates movement
- protects internal organs
- produces blood cells
- stores and releases minerals and fat
When most people think of muscles, they think of the muscles that are visible just under the skin, particularly of the limbs. These are skeletal muscles, so named because most of them move the skeleton. But there are two additional types of muscles that make up the muscular system: the smooth muscle and the cardiac muscle. The body has over 600 muscles, which contribute significantly to the body’s weight.
