muskuloskeletal

Musculoskeletal, sometimes written muskuloskeletal, refers to the organ system that supports the body and enables movement. It includes bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissues. Together these structures form the axial and appendicular skeleton and the muscular system, with bone marrow contributing to blood formation.

Functions include providing structural support, maintaining posture, protecting vital organs, enabling locomotion, storing minerals, and housing blood cell production. Muscles contract to produce movement, while bones act as levers; joints facilitate a range of motions. Tendons connect muscle to bone, and ligaments connect bone to bone to stabilize joints. Cartilage cushions joints and reduces friction.

Anatomical organization: the axial skeleton (skull, spine, rib cage) and the appendicular skeleton (limbs and pelvis) work with the muscular system to produce movement. Joints are classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial, with synovial joints offering the greatest range of motion; ligaments provide stability and tendons transmit force.

Common musculoskeletal conditions include osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, bursitis, sprains, strains, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Risk factors include aging, inactivity, obesity, injuries, and repetitive strain. Diagnosis relies on history, physical examination, imaging studies such as X-ray and MRI, and sometimes laboratory tests.

Management focuses on maintaining function and reducing pain through physical therapy, exercise, proper nutrition (calcium and vitamin D), and weight management. Treatments may involve medications, injections, braces, or surgical intervention in some cases. Prevention emphasizes regular activity, posture, ergonomics, and fall prevention in older adults.