Learning Outcomes
i. Identify the main components of the skeletal system.
ii. Differentiate between the axial and appendicular skeletons.
iii. Describe the functions and general structure of both parts of the skeleton.
i. Main Components of the Skeletal System: The human skeletal system is composed of bones and joints and can be categorized into two main parts: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.
ii.The Axial Skeleton
Composition: The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage (ribs and sternum), and hyoid bone.
Functions: It primarily supports the central axis of the body and protects the brain, spinal cord, and organs in the thorax. The axial skeleton also provides attachment points for muscles that adjust the posture of the head, neck, and trunk, and those involved in breathing.
iii. The Appendicular Skeleton
Composition: The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones of the limbs, including the pectoral girdle (scapula and clavicle) that attaches the upper limbs to the torso, and the pelvic girdle that attaches the lower limbs to the axial skeleton.
Functions: This part of the skeleton is essential for movement, as it includes the bones that anchor the muscles which produce limb movements. It also facilitates the body's interaction with the environment by providing the structure needed for locomotion, manipulation, and other physical activities.
In conclusion, the skeletal system's complexity is organized into two main structures: the axial skeleton, which provides support and protection for the body's central axis, and the appendicular skeleton, which facilitates mobility and interaction with the environment. Understanding the composition and functions of these two parts is foundational for comprehending the skeletal system's overall role in the human body.
