The Skeletal System

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RHODA JAMES VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE HUMAN BODY WESTWOOD COLLEGE The human skeletal system functions as a framework or support system for the rest of our bodies. Ii gives us our shapes and allow us to move, the bones of our skeletal systems also store minerals and help produce blood for our bodies. The structure of the human skeletal system is made up of 206 bones. The skeletal system is divided into two parts, the axial skeleton and appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton includes the skull, spinal column, ribs and sternum. The appendicular skeleton includes all upper and lower extremities, the shoulder girdle and the pelvic girdle. Bones come in four main shapes, long, short, flat and irregular and are composed of webs of collagen fibers reinforced with calcium and phosphorous. The collagen provides flexibility while the minerals provide tensile strength. The axial skeletal makes up the upper structure of the skeletal system. It is made up of 80 bones and is put into three classes: the skull, vertebral-sound column and bony thorax sound. The axial-sound not only offers a capable structure for carrying out several functions, but it also provides protection for important organs, including the brain, heart and lungs. The vertebral-sound or spinal column is flexible. Also called the backbone, it is comprised of 26 bones and supports the upper body. Information is generally transmitted from various parts of the body along the backbone and to the brain. The appendicular skeleton involves your arms and legs. Each arm is connected to the axial body by the shoulder (pectoral-sound) girdle. The girdles are what allow limbs their range of motion. The lower appendages are thicker and more powerful and are basically structured the same way as the arms. Girdles attach the legs to the body. The lower appendages have the same basic structure as the limbs. The

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