Støttesystemet

Støttesystemet is a Norwegian term that translates to “the support system” and is used in several fields to describe structures that provide stability, protection, or assistance.

In anatomy, støttesystemet refers to the musculoskeletal system—the skeleton and its associated tissues (bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons) and muscles. This system supplies structural support for the body, protects internal organs, enables movement, and stores minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. It also participates in blood cell formation (hematopoiesis) in certain bones.

In cell biology, a related concept is the cytoskeleton, a network of protein filaments (actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules) that gives a cell its shape, resists mechanical stress, organizes organelles, and mediates intracellular transport and division.

In sociology and psychology, støttesystemet describes the social support system: the network of family, friends, colleagues, and institutions that provide emotional backing, information, and practical help. A strong støttesystem is associated with better coping in times of illness, stress, or life transitions, and its effectiveness depends on access, continuity, and the perceived quality of support. Both formal supports (healthcare, social services) and informal supports (relatives, neighbors) contribute.

In engineering or information technology contexts, the term can be used metaphorically to denote backup systems, redundancy, or procedural supports that maintain functionality during failures.

The term is thus context-dependent and does not denote a single entity, but rather a category of structures that sustain function, stability, or wellbeing across domains.