MuskelSkelettSystems

The MuskelSkelettSystems is the biological system that gives form, support, and mobility to the human body. It consists of the bones of the skeleton, the muscles that generate force, and the connective tissues that connect them. Together, these components enable movement, posture, and protection of internal organs.

Major components include the axial skeleton (skull, spine, rib cage), the appendicular skeleton (limbs, shoulder girdle, pelvis), skeletal muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and joints. The system also involves nerves and blood vessels that coordinate movement and supply tissues.

Functions include providing structural support; facilitating locomotion through muscles and joints; protecting vital organs (for example, the skull protecting the brain, the rib cage protecting the heart and lungs); storing minerals such as calcium and phosphate; and producing blood cells within bone marrow in some bones (hematopoiesis) and housing adipose tissue in the marrow cavity.

Development and aging: bones form through endochondral and intramembranous ossification; growth plates enable longitudinal growth in children. With age, bone density can decline, muscles lose mass and strength (sarcopenia), and joints may experience wear, increasing the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

Clinical relevance: common conditions include osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, osteopenia, scoliosis, muscle strains, tendinopathies, and ligament injuries. Treatments emphasize physical therapy, nutrition, resistance training, and, when needed, surgical interventions or implants.