Muscle Works

Structure and Function of the
Musculoskeletal System

Emma Bush (RGN)
October 2015
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The freedom of movement

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Components of Musculoskeletal System
• The musculoskeletal
system is made up
of 2 different
systems
• It consists of the
muscles, tendons,
ligaments, bones
and cartilage
together with the
joints

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Components of Musculoskeletal System
•

Skeleton - the bony framework

•

Connective tissues which link
the components:
–Ligaments
–Tendons
–Cartilage

•

Articulations (joints) where
movement occurs

•

Muscles which create movement
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Functions of the skeletal system


Provides a supporting framework



Used for the storage of minerals in the bones – necessary for
vital body functions



Storage of lipids in the yellow marrow – these can turn into red
marrow in cases of severe RBC depletion



Blood cell production – Approx 2.6 million RBC’s produced by
the red marrow every second



Protection of soft tissues – protects vital organs from damage
encasing them within hard bone. E.g. the skull and chest cavity



Provides an anchor for skeletal muscles – tendons attach
muscles to the bones and allow movement. Skeletal bones are
held together by ligaments
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Functions of the muscular system


Allows movement – Muscles pull on tendons which
in turn, pull on bone



Posture and body position maintained by constant
muscle adjustments



Support and protection of soft tissues and organs
e.g. abdominal wall



Guarding of entrances and exits



Maintenance of body temperature
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The skeleton
Axial skeleton


The axial skeleton is formed by the
vertebral column, the rib cage and the skull



The upright posture of humans is maintained
by the axial skeleton, which transmits the
weight from the head, the trunk, and the
upper extremities down to the lower
extremities at the hip joints.

Appendicular skeleton


The appendicular...