The importance of exercise on the skeletal system
The skeletal system provides support, protection, bodily movement, production of blood, stores minerals, gives shape and form to our body.
There are 206 bones in the skeletal system, of which 177 are used in voluntary movement. There are more than 300 joints in the human body. Bones are formed by a process called ossification. Some bones are formed from connective tissue and this process is called ‘direct ossification’. Some bones are formed after the cartilaginous model dissolves and are replaced by bone cells. This process is called ‘indirect ossification’.
SUPPORT – It supports the tissues and muscles
PROTECT – It protects the vital organs
MOVEMENT – helps in the movement of the bones and the muscles attached to it
STORAGE – It stores the minerals and immature blood
TYPES OF BONES :
LONG – humerus
SHORT – carpals of hand
FLAT – scapulae
IRREGULAR – vertebrae
SESAMOID – patella
PROTECTION BY THE SKELETAL SYSTEM:
SKULL – protects the brain.
VETEBRAE – (C1-C7) (T1-T12) (L1-L5), Sacrum, Coccyx – protects the spinal cord
THORACIC CAGE – protects the heart and lungs
MOVEMENT :
Bones act as a lever and provide solid structure in which muscles are attached. Hence the joints allow movement between the bones. The types of joint are:
NON SYNOVIAL : sutures of skull
SYNOVIAL : knee
GLIDING : carpals of hand
CONDYLOID : knee
HINGE: elbow
SADDLE : carpometacarpal
PIVOT : radioulnar
BALL AND SOCKET : shoulder
JOINT CONNECTIVITY :
Cartilage – covers and protects the ends of the bones
Tendons – connect the muscles to the bones
Synovial membrane – produces synovial fluid
Ligaments – connects bone to bone
Bursa – situated between the tendon and bone, prevents rubbing
STORAGE:
Contains red marrow which produce red and white blood cells, along with platelets.
EFFECT OF EXERCISE ON THE SKELETAL SYSTEM:
Greater peak bone mass.
Weight bearing exercise helps to strengthen the bones.
Muscle strength, co-ordination and balance help prevent fall related fractures.
Helps more mineral salts to be deposited.
More collagenous fibers produced.
Increase in density and size of bone.