The Musculoskeletal System
Introduction
Like the other systems of the body, the musculoskeletal system provides an important function for the human body. It is perhaps one of the most important of the systems in that muscles, bones and joints provide the mechanisms for movement that facilitates the continuance of life processes, as well as the movements that make for an enjoyable life experience. Without the musculoskeletal system, which is comprised of bones, joints and muscles there would be no blood flow, heartbeat or digestion, and there would certainly be no physical movement.
Bones
The foundation of this body system in humans are the bones. Bones provide the basic structure of the body, as well as protection for internal organs such …show more content…
In addition to providing the means to breathe, eat, eliminate wastes, and speak, muscles also allow us to experience the physical and abstract world in a meaningful way. Like bones and joints, muscles are also divided into categories by function and type of fiber. Striated muscles make up the skeletal muscles which make voluntary movement and control possible. These are the muscles which first come to mind for most individuals when they hear the word “muscle”. These are also the ones which can be voluntarily worked, or exercised, in order to help develop their strength and flexibility, and are also the ones which define the human form. Smooth muscle fibers make up the involuntary muscles that power most of our life processes. These include the muscles which line the viscera, those of the stomach, throat, and diaphragm, to name a few. These muscles also aid in secretion processes that aid in digestion as well as in energy …show more content…
This type of muscle fiber contracts rhythmically and is the basis of the heartbeat. If looked at separately, each fiber also beats individually. While muscles are categorized by different fibers, all 600 or so muscles found in the human body provide the same function, movement. However, this movement is provided by different forces. Flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, rotation, supination, and pronation are all terms that describe the different muscular movements. These terms all describe the upward, downward, inward, and outward movements that humans need to walk, eat, use their hands, elbows, knees and hips. Just as with bones and joints, the musculature is also prone to various injuries and ailments, called pathologies. These include sprains, spasms (which occur when mineral balances of potassium, magnesium and calcium are off), tears, and separations. Muscle diseases include, muscular dystrophy, which is a “group of diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of muscle fibers, without involvement of the nervous system (Chabner, p. 619). Another muscular disease mentioned in the text is polymyositis. This disease is characterized by muscle weakness and pain, sometimes accompanied by a facial rash (p.
Introduction
Like the other systems of the body, the musculoskeletal system provides an important function for the human body. It is perhaps one of the most important of the systems in that muscles, bones and joints provide the mechanisms for movement that facilitates the continuance of life processes, as well as the movements that make for an enjoyable life experience. Without the musculoskeletal system, which is comprised of bones, joints and muscles there would be no blood flow, heartbeat or digestion, and there would certainly be no physical movement.
Bones
The foundation of this body system in humans are the bones. Bones provide the basic structure of the body, as well as protection for internal organs such …show more content…
In addition to providing the means to breathe, eat, eliminate wastes, and speak, muscles also allow us to experience the physical and abstract world in a meaningful way. Like bones and joints, muscles are also divided into categories by function and type of fiber. Striated muscles make up the skeletal muscles which make voluntary movement and control possible. These are the muscles which first come to mind for most individuals when they hear the word “muscle”. These are also the ones which can be voluntarily worked, or exercised, in order to help develop their strength and flexibility, and are also the ones which define the human form. Smooth muscle fibers make up the involuntary muscles that power most of our life processes. These include the muscles which line the viscera, those of the stomach, throat, and diaphragm, to name a few. These muscles also aid in secretion processes that aid in digestion as well as in energy …show more content…
This type of muscle fiber contracts rhythmically and is the basis of the heartbeat. If looked at separately, each fiber also beats individually. While muscles are categorized by different fibers, all 600 or so muscles found in the human body provide the same function, movement. However, this movement is provided by different forces. Flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, rotation, supination, and pronation are all terms that describe the different muscular movements. These terms all describe the upward, downward, inward, and outward movements that humans need to walk, eat, use their hands, elbows, knees and hips. Just as with bones and joints, the musculature is also prone to various injuries and ailments, called pathologies. These include sprains, spasms (which occur when mineral balances of potassium, magnesium and calcium are off), tears, and separations. Muscle diseases include, muscular dystrophy, which is a “group of diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of muscle fibers, without involvement of the nervous system (Chabner, p. 619). Another muscular disease mentioned in the text is polymyositis. This disease is characterized by muscle weakness and pain, sometimes accompanied by a facial rash (p.