The Musculoskeletal System – Lesson Summary

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Learning Objective

In this lesson we will learn about the musculoskeletal system in humans.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

  • Discuss the overall function of the musculoskeletal system.
  • Describe the different types of muscles that make up the muscular system.
  • Differentiate between the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.
  • Describe the structure and function of bones, including compact bone and spongy bone.
  • Describe cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
  • Discuss the different types of joints, including the type of the tissue involved and the degree of movement allowed, with examples.

 
the musculoskeletal system contents

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Lesson Topics

1 | Overview of the Musculoskeletal System

2 | The Muscular System

3 | The Skeletal System

4 | Bones

5 | Cartilage, Ligaments and Tendons

6 | Joints

7 | Summary

Lesson Summary

  • The musculoskeletal system incorporates the muscular system and the skeletal system.
  • It consists of skeletal muscles, bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and joints.
  • The main function of the musculoskeletal system is to support and move the body.
  • The muscular system consists of three types of muscles:
  • Skeletal muscles – muscles that are attached to bones and are involved in voluntary movements.
  • Smooth muscles – muscles that are attached to organs and are involved in involuntary movements.
  • Cardiac muscles – specialised muscles that enable the heart to beat continuously.
  • Muscle cells are long and can contract and expand.
  • The skeletal system includes the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.
  • The axial skeleton protects internal organs.
  • It includes the skull, backbone, ribs and sternum.
  • The appendicular skeleton moves the body.
  • It includes the shoulder blades, pelvis, arms, legs, hands and feet.
  • The skeletal system consists of:
  • Bones – rigid, slightly elastic tissues that form the internal frame of the body.
  • Cartilage – firm, rubber-like tissue that provides padding for bones and is a structural component of the nose, ears, ribcage, trachea and bronchi.
  • Ligaments – fibrous connective tissue that connects bones.
  • Bones function to support, move and protect the body, as well as producing blood cells (in bone marrow) and storing minerals.
  • Bones consist of living tissues as well as a matrix of proteins and minerals – namely collagen and calcium phosphate.
  • The two main types of bone tissue are:
  • Compact bone – harder and more dense tissue making up the outer section of bones.
  • Spongy bone – softer and less dense tissue making up the inner section of bones.
  • Tendons are fibrous connective tissues that connect skeletal muscles to bones.
  • When muscles contract, tendons act on bones, causing movement around a joint.
  • A joint (articulation) is a region where two or more bones are connected.
  • Joint types include:
  • Fibrous joints – contain tough, fibrous tissue between bones, allowing little or no movement.
  • Cartilaginous joints – contain cartilage between bones, allowing some movement.
  • Synovial joints – contain a fibrous, fluid-filled cavity between bones, allowing free movement.
  • Synovial joints include hinge joints, ball-and-socket joints, saddle joints and pivot joints.

 
 
the musculoskeletal system

(Image: AlienCat, Adobe Stock)

(Header image: AlienCat, Adobe Stock)