luustruktuurist

Luustruktuurist, more commonly known as the skeletal system, is the internal framework of the body that provides support, protection, and movement. In humans, it consists of approximately 206 bones at adulthood, although the number can vary slightly in infants due to fused bones. The skeleton is broadly divided into the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, offering vital protection to the brain, spinal cord, and thoracic organs. The appendicular skeleton comprises the bones of the limbs and the girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton, enabling locomotion and manipulation of the environment.

Bones are living tissues made up of cells and connective tissue, with a hard outer layer of compact bone and a spongy inner layer containing bone marrow. Bone marrow is responsible for producing blood cells. The skeletal system also plays a crucial role in mineral homeostasis, storing and releasing calcium and phosphorus. Joints, where two or more bones meet, allow for a range of motion, from the stable immovable joints of the skull to the highly mobile ball-and-socket joints of the hip and shoulder. The health of the skeletal system can be affected by various factors, including nutrition, genetics, and age, and conditions like osteoporosis can weaken bones, increasing the risk of fractures.