Anthropologists have long been interested in bones. Bones can last centuries and in some cases for millions of years. Because of its power, bones are used by humans as diverse tools, weapons, and objects of art. Bones make it easier for anthropologists to explore human development, both physical and cultural.
The human skeletal system is a series of bones and joints that form the human body. With this system, humans can move and various important organs in the body can also be protected.
Humans are generally born with 300 bones. However, with age, some bone tissues will merge. Thus, a person will only have about 206 bones in the body when it reaches adulthood.
Each bone has an important role to ensure all the mechanisms of the body function properly.
Skeletal System Definition
The skeletal system is a system that has the function to store mineral materials, where blood cells form, where skeletal muscles are attached, protect the soft body and support the body. Consists of the skull, ribs, spine, shoulder bone support frame, hip bone support frame, upper and lower body bones. The bones in the body form a skeletal system.
Skeletal System Function
Unlike other organs in the body, bones have a hard texture and are very dense. This is because bones serve to protect important organs in the body, such as the brain, lungs, and heart.
In addition, there are many functions of bones as part of the human skeletal system, among which:
#1. Supporting and giving shape to the body
One of the main roles of bones is to give body shape and determine the height. Not only that, the bones also serve to support the body so that humans can stand upright or sit down.
#2. Support body movement
Bones along with muscles, ligaments, and joints play a role in supporting the movement of the body, so that humans can undergo daily activities, such as walking, writing, and eating.
With a good skeletal system, people can move comfortably so that their daily activities can run well.
#3. Producing blood cells
Bone marrow is a part of the bone that serves to produce blood cells. The bone marrow is soft textured and can be found in certain bone cavities, such as the pelvis and thigh bones.
In addition to producing blood cells, bone marrow also serves to destroy old blood cells.
#4. Storing minerals
The human skeletal system stores two important minerals, namely calcium and phosphorus. Calcium and phosphorus are needed for cells to function properly, especially nerve and muscle cells.
When the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood are reduced, the parathyroid hormone regulates the deficiency by taking it from the bone. This means that bones are like a bank that can store calcium and phosphorus and the body can pick them up at any time when needed.
However, if the reserves of calcium and phosphorus have been depleted because they are taken too often, the bones will become porous so they are prone to fractures.
Skeletal System Disorders
The following are some examples of diseases of the human skeletal system, namely:
- Fractures:
Fractures generally occur due to accidents or bone injuries.
Inflammation of the joints that results in pain, and restrict movement.
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- Osteoporosis:
Health disorders due to decreased bone density, generally due to aging.
- Rickets
Rickets is an abnormal growth in children caused by vitamin D deficiency. This condition can cause bones to become soft and brittle, so bones break easily.
- Acromegaly
Acromegaly is caused by an excess amount of growth hormone (growth hormone) in the body. This condition makes sufferers experience excessive growth in bone tissue, especially on the face, arms, and legs.
- Fibrous dysplasia:
This condition is characterized by a rare bone disorder that occurs when tissue, such as a wound, grows on the normal bone. This tissue can weaken bones and result in tissue damage.
- Osteogenesis imperfecta:
Osteogenesis imperfecta is a disease caused by a genetic disorder that causes a person to be born with fragile bones and not form properly. This rare disorder is hereditary and cannot be cured.
So far, treatment steps are taken so that people with this disease can still move and carry out daily activities comfortably.
- Bone cancer:
Generally, bone cancer comes from cancer in other organs, such as the prostate, lungs, kidneys, or breast, which then spread to the bone. Bone cancer can appear in all parts of the bones in the body, but it generally occurs in the legs, arms, and pelvis.
There are many more examples of diseases that may occur in the human skeletal system, so you have to take care of your bone health.
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Skeletal system health tips
The skeletal system is the foundation of the human body that really must be kept healthy. The following are tips to maintain the health of the skeletal system, namely:
- Calcium Consumption: Calcium is a good content for bone health. Examples of foods rich in calcium are broccoli, salmon, tofu, etc.
- Vitamin D: Consumption of foods rich in vitamin D sources such as cheese, cereals, shrimp, yogurt, etc.
- Exercise: Exercise regularly, such as jogging, running, climbing stairs, etc.
- Use Protection: Use protection while driving to reduce the risk of bone injury.
