Skeletal System Concepts
Bone Identification:
MANDIBLE
CERVICAL VERTIBRAE
LUMBAR VERTIBRAE
THORACIC VERTIBRAE
TRUE RIBS
FALSE RIBS
FLOATING RIBS CLAVICLE
HUMERUS
SCAPULA
RADIUS ULNA
CARPALS
DIGITS ILLIUM COCCYX
FEMUR PATELLA
TIBIA
FIBULA TARSALS
METATARSALS
METACARPALS
CALCANEOUS
What do we know about the number of
bones found in a human skeleton
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An adult skeleton contains 206
different bones
At birth an infant has over 300
bones but as the child grows many
fuse together to form one bone. As
the child matures the skeleton has
206 bones.
Identify the 5 major functions of the
skeleton
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Supports our weight and muscle
Provides the levers necessary for
movements such as walking
Protects internal organs (ribs protect
heart and lungs)
Produces red blood cells and platelets in
the marrow of long bones
Reservoir of minerals such as calcium for
our metabolic use
Long bones produce blood cells
Identify the major bones comprising the
Axial and Appendicular skeleton.
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Axial is composed of the bones in
the skull, spine and ribs
There are 80 bones in the Axial
skeleton
Appendicular skeleton is composed
of the bones in the shoulder and
pelvic girdles and the legs and arms
There are 126 bones in the
Appendicular skeleton
Axial Green – Appendicular Purple
Describe the 5 types of bones found in
the body and give an example of each
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Short bones – carpals of wrist
Long bones – femur, tibia, ulna
Flat bones – skull, scapula, ribs
Sesamoid bones – patella (floating)
Irregular bones – vertebrae
Examples of bones
What is the clavicle bone? What
important function does it have?
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The clavicle is also known as the collar
bone. It is attached to the sternum at
one end and the scapula at the other by
ligaments
It is the only bone attachment holding the
shoulder and arm to our skeleton.
Muscles and tendons help support the
attachment but the clavicle is the skeletal
attachment to our axial skeleton
Clavicle
In your own words describe the
process of bone remodeling and the
role of osteoclasts and osteoblasts.
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Bone remodeling is the process where old
bone is disposed of and replaced by new
bone. It is important to the maintenance
of a strong healthy skeleton. Our
skeleton replaces bone at the rate of
about 10% a year. After the age of 35 –
40yrs our skeleton absorbs bone faster
than it replaces it.
Osteoclasts are the cells that dissolve and
absorb old bone. Osteoblasts are the
cells that deposit new bone in its place.
Bone Remodeling
What do we know about stress
fractures common in sports?
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Most fractures are the result of a blow to the bone
but stress fractures are the result of repetitive
shock placed on the bone during exercise. The
muscles usually act like a shock absorber during
pounding activities like running however when the
muscles fatigue the shock is transferred to the
bone and can result in tiny cracks or stress
fracture
Hard surfaces, poor footwear, over training are all
potential causes
Rest of up to 6 to 8 weeks from activity is usually
required for the stress fracture to heal.
What is Osteoporosis? What are the 4
recommended steps to help prevent
osteoporosis?
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3.
4.
As we age past 40 our bones lose density and
mass. Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease
where this process occurs to the point where
bones become fragile and susceptible to
breaking. Injuries to the hip, spine and wrist are
most common and simple falls or even bumps
may cause damage. Post menopausal women
are more susceptible to osteoporosis than men.
4 steps that help defend against this disease
Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
Regular weight bearing exercises
No smoking and moderate use of alcohol
Bone density testing and medication when
required
Osteoporosis and Scoliosis
Structure and Function of Cartilage,
Ligaments and Tendons
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Cartilage is hard yet flexible connective tissue that is found
on the ends of bones where bones meet to form a joint. It
provides a smooth sliding surface as the bones move around
the joint. In some cases it provides a flexible but hard
connection between two bones such as the ribs to the
sternum.
Tendons are strong fibers of connective tissue that are found
at the end of a skeletal muscle attaching the muscle to the
bone. When a muscle contracts it is the tendon that pulls on
the bone causing it to move.
Ligaments are strong fibers of connective tissue that are
found in joints where bones meet. They attach the bones to
each other in a stable but flexible way to allow movement
and stability around the joint.
Neither ligament nor tendons stretch much and may tear
during joint injuries resulting in sprains. Cartilage may
become worn with age or overuse. Tears in the cartilage may
occur from joint trauma
Cartilage, Tendon and Ligament
What is a Synovial joint?
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Synovial joints make up most of our moving
joints. They are made up of ligaments, tendons,
cartilage, bursae, synovial sac and fluid around
the joint
Bursae are little fluid sacs found between tendons
and bone that act as cushions to reduce shock
and friction
Synovial sac is a tough membrane that
encapsulates the joint. It is filled with a slippery
lubricant called synovial fluid. Synovial fluid helps
to prevent friction and irritation as the joint
moves.
Sprains
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Occur around a joint when the joint moves in a direction it was not
designed to go or when it moves further than it is able without damaging
surrounding tissues.
Sprains cause ruptures to the synovial sac and surrounding blood vessels
resulting in swelling.
Ligaments, cartilage and sometimes bone can also be torn or chipped.
Symptoms of a sprain are swelling, redness, heat and pain
To treat sprains
Rest – slows heart and blood flow to injured area
Ice – cools area causing broken vessels to constrict and reduce blood flow
and swelling
Compress – putting pressure around swollen area helps to constrict broken
vessels and reduce swelling
Elevate – injury is placed above level of heart to cause blood to run uphill
and slow the swelling
Once the ruptured tissues have repaired (about 48 hours) heat can be
applied to help increase blood flow to area which will help pump out the
swelling and promote further tissue recovery.
Ankle sprains usually take 2 to 3 weeks for full recovery
Knee sprains take longer to recover and may be measured in months.
Dislocations
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Occur when the bones making up
the joint separate from their normal
position and stay out of socket
This results in tearing and
stretching of ligaments
Support the joint and seek medical
assistance. Do not replace on own
Partial Dislocation
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When a joint pops out of place but
immediately returns to its proper
position
Usually results in some tearing of
ligaments and swelling.
Stop activity, use RICE principles if
possible
Bone Breaks
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5.
There are several causes for bones
to break:
Direct force – a blow or hit
Indirect force – such as jumping from a height and
landing on the feet but your tibia cracks from the
force
Overuse – stress fractures can result from constant
pounding such as running too much on hard
surfaces
Symptoms are deep pain, swelling/deformity, loss
of function, may have heard the break
To treat immobilize joints above and below injury
with splints, seek medical attention.