The human skeletal system is a series of bones and joints that form the basis of the human body. With this system, humans can move and various important organs in the body can be protected.
Humans are generally born with 300 bones. However, with age, some of the bone tissue will fuse. Thus, a person will only have about 206 bones in the body when he reaches adulthood.
Each bone has an important role to play in ensuring that all body mechanisms function properly.
Human Skeletal System Functions
Unlike other organs in the body, bones have a hard texture and are very dense. This is because bones function 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, including:
1. Supports and gives shape to the body
One of the main roles of bones is to give the body shape and determine height. Not only that, bones also function to support the body so that humans can stand upright or sit.
2. Supports body movement
Bones along with muscles, ligaments, and joints play a role in supporting body movement, so humans can carry out daily activities, such as walking, writing, and eating.
With a good skeletal system, humans can move comfortably so that daily activities can run well.
3. Producing blood cells
Bone marrow is the part of bone that functions to produce blood cells. Bone marrow is soft and can be found in certain bone cavities, such as the hip and thigh bones.
In addition to producing blood cells, bone marrow also functions 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 by cells to function properly, especially nerve and muscle cells.
When levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood decrease, parathyroid hormone will regulate the deficiency by taking them from the bones. This means, bones are like a bank that can store calcium and phosphorus and the body can take it whenever needed.
However, if the reserves of calcium and phosphorus are depleted because they are taken too often, the bones will become porous so they are prone to fractures.
Types of Bones in the Human Body
Based on their shape, bones are divided into four types, namely:
flat bones
Flat bones have a flat and broad surface. Several types of bones that are classified as flat bones are the skull, ribs, lower jawbone, shoulder blade, and sternum.
long bones
Long bones are straight and thin. Bones classified as long bones include the upper arm bone (humerus), thigh bone (femur), radius bone, ulna and shin bone.
short bones
Short bones are small in size. Some of the bones that belong to this group of bones are the knee (patella) and the bones in the feet and hands.
irregular bones (irregular)
This type of bone has an irregular shape or does not match the three types of bones above. An example of a bone that belongs to the type of irregular bone is the spine.
Not to forget, tooth enamel is also classified as a type of bone and is even stronger and more durable than bone. Tooth enamel serves to protect the nerves and delicate tissues inside the teeth.
In addition, there are joints which are where two bones meet. Some joints can be moved, some are not. Movable joints allow humans to perform movements such as bending, writing, bending, and turning.
One of the most important types of joints is the hinge joint. Hinge joints are found in the elbows and knees, while smaller ones are found in the fingers and toes. This joint can only open or bend in one direction.
Other types of movable joints are the ball joints of the hips and shoulders, and the saddle joints of the palms. The ball joint allows movement in all directions, while the saddle joint allows the body to move, but movement is limited.
Disorders and Disorders of the Human Skeletal System
Scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis are some of the most common bone disorders terms. In addition, there are also several kinds of disorders or other abnormalities in the skeletal system, including:
1. Fracture
A fracture is a condition when a bone or joint in the body is damaged by cracking or breaking. This condition makes the human skeletal system unable to function properly.
2. Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is an inflammation of the bone and surrounding tissue that occurs due to a bacterial infection. Infection can occur due to an open wound to the bone, for example from an injury, infection in other parts of the body that spreads to the bone, or complications from surgery.
3. Rickets
Rickets is an abnormal growth in children caused by a lack of vitamin D. This condition can cause bones to become soft and brittle, so bones break easily.
4. Oste0porosis
Osteoporosis occurs due to reduced density and loss of bone strength. Osteoporosis is more common in women because women have fewer bone cells than men. Menopause also plays a role in increasing the risk of osteoporosis in women.
5. Acromegaly
Acromegaly is caused by an excess of growth hormonegrowth hormone) in the body. This condition makes sufferers experience excessive growth of bone tissue, especially in the face, arms, and legs.
6. Fibrous dysplasia
This condition is characterized by a rare bone disorder that occurs when tissue, such as a wound, grows on normal bone. This tissue can weaken bones and cause tissue damage.
7. Osteogenesis imperfecta
Osteogenesis imperfecta is a disease caused by a genetic disorder that causes a person to be born with brittle and poorly formed bones. This rare disorder is hereditary and cannot be cured.
So far, treatment steps have been taken so that people with this disease can still move and carry out their daily activities comfortably.
8. Bone cancer
Generally, bone cancer originates from cancer in other organs, such as the prostate, lung, kidney, or breast, which then spreads to the bones. Bone cancer can occur in any bone in the body, but is most common in the legs, arms, and pelvis.
Tips for Keeping the Human Skeletal System Healthy
Bones lose their strength with age. Therefore, it is important to always maintain bone strength and the health of the body's skeletal system by doing the following ways:
Eat foods high in calcium
Calcium is not only obtained from milk, but also cheese, yogurt, sardines, salmon, spinach, broccoli, and tofu. Calcium can also be obtained from supplements.
The recommended amount of calcium intake for adults is around 1,000 milligrams per day, while teenagers who are still in their infancy need more calcium intake, which is around 1,200-1,300 milligrams of calcium per day.
Meet the needs of vitamin D
Vitamin D is needed in the process of absorption of calcium so that bones remain strong. The recommended intake of vitamin D for adults is 600 IU or the equivalent of 15 micrograms per day.
Meanwhile, the need for vitamin D in the elderly will increase to 800 IU or the equivalent of 15 micrograms per day.
Vitamin D is found in fish oil, tuna, milk, and egg yolks. This vitamin can also be obtained naturally from the morning sun. If you are worried that your vitamin D needs are not being met, you can also take vitamin D supplements.
Wear protection when driving and exercising
When cycling or riding a motorbike, don't forget to always wear a helmet and other protective equipment. This is important to protect the bones from the risk of injury from a fall or even an accident.
Exercise regularly
The human skeletal system is designed to withstand loads. Some bones are even able to withstand loads up to 2 times the body weight.
However, the bones must be constantly trained so as not to lose their strength. You can do this by exercising regularly, such as weight training, swimming, or simple activities such as walking and climbing stairs.
These activities can slow bone loss and form strong bones.
Avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages
Research shows that drinking alcohol and smoking can reduce bone density and increase the risk of osteoporosis. This may be due to alcohol which can interfere with calcium absorption.
With a healthy skeletal system, the body will be stronger even as you enter old age. Therefore, it is important to keep the skeletal system healthy at all times.
If you still have questions about the human skeletal system or experience complaints in the bones and joints, you can consult a doctor.